The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cleared 637 candidates to contest for 68 political positions in the 2026 Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, scheduled for February 21, 2026. The positions include six chairmanship seats and 62 councillorship seats across the six FCT area councils.
INEC announced that the personal particulars of all candidates, including Form EC9, academic credentials, and other submitted documents, will be displayed at its offices in the six area councils on August 18, 2025, in line with Section 29(3) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The final list of cleared candidates will be published on September 22, 2025, in compliance with Section 32(1) of the Electoral Act, which requires publication at least 150 days before the election. Political watchers expect keen contests across the councils as parties prepare for a crucial grassroots political showdown in the nation’s capital.