The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially released the final list of candidates for the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Election, scheduled for February 21, 2026. This announcement marks the culmination of the nomination process, with candidates from 17 political parties now confirmed for the election.
In a statement issued by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC confirmed that the final list is now publicly accessible. “The commission hereby publishes the final list of candidates that will contest in the 2026 FCT Area Council Election,” Olumekun said. “The full list, including candidates’ names, parties, ages, gender, and academic qualifications, has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public access.”
The list includes 637 candidates vying for 68 seats across the six area councils of the FCT—Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji. These positions include six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship positions. With this publication, INEC has closed the nomination process, except for any cases where replacements are required due to death, as stipulated by the Electoral Act.
The release of the final list follows the earlier display of candidates’ personal details on August 18, 2025, which was mandated by law after party primaries. Olumekun emphasized that, as per the law, no further withdrawal or replacement of candidates will be permitted unless it is due to the death of a candidate or their running mate before Election Day.
The FCT Area Council Election, set to take place in early 2026, will see these 637 candidates compete for vital political positions in the capital. The election’s outcome could have significant implications for the governance of the area, influencing policies affecting millions of residents.
In related news, some political figures have already begun speculating about the 2027 general elections, with Kenneth Okonkwo predicting victory for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party.
