The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of candidates contesting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the Commission confirmed that the list—detailing candidates’ names, parties, ages, genders, and academic qualifications—has been uploaded to INEC’s official website and social media platforms for public access.
Olumekun recalled that on August 18, 2025, INEC had earlier published the personal particulars of candidates who emerged from party primaries.
During the formal display of the list at the INEC FCT office on Monday, September 22, Administrative Secretary Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, representing FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner Malam Aminu Kasimu Idris, explained that the exercise complies with the Electoral Act requirement to publish the final list at least 150 days before the election date.
She confirmed that the display is being conducted simultaneously across all INEC offices in the FCT and online.
Political parties were urged to carefully review the published list for any errors or omissions in their candidates’ details and to notify the Commission within the legally allowed 90-day window.
According to Oladunjoye, any party seeking corrections must submit a formal written request signed by its National Chairman and Secretary, supported with an affidavit. She warned that failure to follow this procedure will not be considered grounds to invalidate the February 2026 Area Council elections.
INEC’s latest action signals the final phase of preparations for the FCT Area Council polls, reinforcing the Commission’s commitment to transparency and adherence to Nigeria’s electoral laws as residents of the nation’s capital head to the ballot in less than five months.
PR/Topsy Gimba
