FCT polls: 473 candidates, 14 political parties to battle for 63 positions

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday disclosed that 473 candidates from 14 political parties will be vying for 63 chairmanship and councillorship position in the coming Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) area councils’ election.

Addressing  stakeholders ahead of the election scheduled for February 12, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmoud Yakubu, said he appreciates the assurances of support by all for peaceful elections next week.

He said FCT was the only part of the country where INEC is required by law to conduct local government elections, adding that the polls are set “to elect six chairmen or chairwomen as the case may be and 62 Councilors.”

Yakubu said, “After the period for substitution and withdrawal of candidates as provided by law, the Commission has listed 473 candidates sponsored by 14 political parties for the poll”.

“In all, 110 candidates (chair and vice chair) are vying for the leadership of the six area councils while 363 candidates are competing for 62 councillorship positions”.