The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the devolution of the ongoing voter registration exercise to the ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The move, the Commission explained, aligns with its policy of expanding access to voter registration as Nigeria prepares for key off-cycle elections, similar to what was implemented ahead of the Edo, Ondo, and Anambra governorship polls.
With this decision, the physical registration that has so far been limited to the FCT office and the six Area Council offices will now be extended across all 62 wards, making a total of 69 registration centres. The exercise at ward level will run from Monday, 29th September 2025, to Wednesday, 8th October 2025.
In line with the adjustment, INEC also announced the suspension of the online pre-registration option in the FCT from Monday, 15th September 2025. This measure, the Commission stressed, will enable pre-registrants to complete their registration physically at designated centres, since online pre-registration without in-person completion is invalid.
The Commission further clarified that voter registration in the FCT will be suspended on 8th October 2025 in line with the provisions of Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that the process must close at least 90 days before elections. The FCT Area Council election has been fixed for Saturday, 21st February 2026. Registration activities will resume after the polls and continue until August 2026, when the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will also be suspended ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC has uploaded the full list and addresses of all registration centres on its website and other official platforms for public awareness. The Commission appealed to all eligible citizens who have not registered to seize this opportunity to do so. It also reminded citizens that those who are already registered elsewhere may transfer their registration to the FCT or within wards of their choice, while cautioning that multiple registration remains a punishable offence under the law.
The Commission urged residents of the FCT to turn out en masse and take advantage of the decentralised registration before the deadline, reiterating that a credible register of voters is fundamental to the success of the forthcoming elections.
Reported by: Stone Reporters News
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