The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the final list of 17 confirmed candidates to contest the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections that will hold on February 12, 2026.
This information was confirmed to the media in Abuja by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. He explained the final publication of the list followed the expiration of the statutory window for the withdrawal of candidates and substitution for candidates.
Earlier on August 18, INEC had published personal information of candidates that emerged from party primaries. The last date of events had a total of 17 political parties submitted their political party nomination forms respectively within the timeline.
Olumekun further emphasized that there would be no additional amendments with this final list, unless a candidate dies prior to the election, in accordance with Section 34(1) of the Electoral Act.
The schedules of the list contains the candidate’s party, age, gender and educational or academic qualifications. INEC has published on its website and official social media pages, all the information to create transparency and allow for the public to also judge the candidates.
The FCT council poll will select leadership in the six area councils of Abuja, therefore making it a very important process for local governance functioning properly in the capital. These elections will draw attention from major political actors as well as the citizens of Abuja.
With the final list now settled, political campaigns are likely to intensify as the different political parties and their candidates seek to gain the trust of voters ahead of the polls. The thus release mark a key step in preparations for what promises to be a competitive election.
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