The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates who will contest in the February 21, 2026, area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Naijaonpoint reports that the electoral body made the announcement in a statement on Monday, signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

INEC stressed that, with the publication of the list, political parties can no longer withdraw or replace candidates except in the event of death.

“With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before election day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act,” the statement partly read.

Olumekun recalled that on August 18, 2025, the commission published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the elections.

He explained that a total of 17 political parties submitted the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2025.

“At the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates, the commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT area council election,” INEC stated.

The electoral umpire also disclosed that the full list of candidates, including details such as party affiliation, age, gender, and academic qualifications, has been uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public access.

See the full statement below:

“INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS RELEASE

PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL LIST OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 2026 FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY (FCT) AREA COUNCIL ELECTION

It will be recalled that on 18th August 2025, the Commission published the personal particulars of candidates that emerged from primaries conducted by political parties for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election. A total of 17 Political Parties uploaded the particulars of their candidates (Form EC9) by the deadline of 6.00pm on Monday 11th August 2025 and at the end of the period for withdrawal and substitution of candidates.

Consequently, the Commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election. The full list of the candidates by party, age, gender and academic qualifications has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.

With this publication, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be allowed except in the event of death of a candidate or running mate before Election Day as provided by Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.

The FCT Area Council election will hold on Saturday 21st February 2026.”