The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a new phase in its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the Federal Capital Territory, shifting the process closer to residents by decentralizing registration to all 62 electoral wards. The move, which the commission says is aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility, was unveiled at a sensitization meeting with leaders of persons with disabilities (PWDs) on Monday at the Centenary Hall of Ibeto Hotel, Abuja.
INEC further declared that the online pre-registration portal for new voters would be suspended effective 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025. According to Mrs. Bimbo Oladunjoye, Administrative Secretary of INEC FCT, who represented the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Malam Aminu Idris, ward-level registration will officially commence on Monday, September 29, and will run until Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The exercise will be conducted simultaneously at 69 designated centers, including INEC offices in the six area councils and the state office in Area 10, Garki. Registration hours are fixed between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily, weekends inclusive.
Delivering the REC’s address, Mrs. Oladunjoye emphasized that the initiative was part of INEC’s “unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable electoral playing field.” She urged all residents who had pre-registered online but were yet to complete biometric capture to visit any of the designated centers to validate their registration, stressing that failure to do so renders their registration “incomplete and invalid.”
The sensitization meeting featured goodwill messages from disability rights leaders. The Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) FCT Chapter, Mr. Joseph Kaura Wakili, praised the commission’s initiative but urged INEC to ensure full accessibility at the ward level. He called for facilities such as ramps, Braille materials, and sign language interpreters to make registration seamless for PWDs.
“Without a voter card, we cannot vote. Without our votes, our issues may be ignored,” Wakili said, encouraging PWDs to take advantage of the exercise.
The meeting also featured technical presentations from INEC officials. Deputy Director Habiba Jatto outlined the objectives of the engagement, reinforcing the commission’s drive for inclusive participation. Grace Jerry of Inclusive Friends Association (IFA) emphasized the importance of optimizing ward-level registration opportunities to empower PWDs in the FCT.
Samuel J. Bassey, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, detailed the guidelines of the CVR process, particularly for first-time voters, while Festus Aisien, Head of ICT, addressed digital integration and guidance on participation.
The meeting concluded with a collective pledge from stakeholders to ensure that no eligible citizen is excluded from the electoral process ahead of the February 2026 Area Council elections.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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