The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that it will make public the profiles of candidates contesting the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections set for February 21, 2026.
This announcement was made by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, following the Commission’s weekly meeting in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Olumekun, the Commission will display candidates’ submitted documents, including Form EC9, academic certificates, and other credentials, at all INEC offices across the six Area Councils. This step is designed to ensure transparency and allow the public to review the background and qualifications of those seeking election.
The FCT elections will see participation from 17 political parties, fielding a total of 637 candidates for 68 positions—six chairmanships and 62 councillorships. Olumekun explained that the publication of these details will begin on Monday, 18th August 2025, giving citizens the chance to examine the records closely.
He stressed that anyone who suspects a candidate of providing false information during party primaries may file a legal challenge at a Federal High Court, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
The final official list of candidates will be released on 22nd September 2025, at least 150 days ahead of the election. This schedule adheres to the Electoral Act 2022 and forms part of INEC’s electoral calendar, ensuring adequate time for verification and public awareness.
Olumekun also provided an update on the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) nationwide. Online registration will commence on Monday, 18th August 2025, followed by in-person registration starting Monday, 25th August 2025, at 811 INEC offices across all states and local government areas.
Citizens will have access to information about registration centers and dedicated helplines via the INEC website and other online platforms. An active CVR locator tool will also go live on Sunday, 17th August 2025.
The CVR exercise will allow eligible Nigerians to transfer their registration to a new location, either within the same state or to another state, as well as replace damaged or lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Olumekun reminded the public that registration is only open to citizens aged 18 and above who have not previously registered, noting that multiple registrations are illegal and subject to penalties.
By releasing candidate profiles and facilitating voter registration, INEC aims to strengthen transparency, encourage citizen participation, and uphold the integrity of the upcoming FCT Area Council elections. The Commission urged all Nigerians to engage actively in verifying candidate information and ensuring their own registration is up to date.