The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a major adjustment to the ongoing voter registration exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by extending the process to all wards while suspending the online pre-registration option.
This was contained in a press release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, and posted on the Commission’s official social media platforms on Friday.
According to INEC, the Commission has approved the devolution of the exercise from the FCT office and Area Council offices to all wards across the territory.
“The Commission has approved the devolution of the ongoing voter registration to Ward level in the Federal Capital Territory.
“This decision is in line with our policy as we approach major off-cycle elections, as was done ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections last year and, more recently, in Anambra State for the forthcoming governorship election,” the statement read.
With the new arrangement, physical (in-person) registration will now take place at all 62 wards in addition to the FCT office and the six Area Council offices, bringing the total registration centres to 69.
The exercise is scheduled to commence on Monday, 29th September 2025, and will run until Wednesday, 8th October 2025.
INEC further announced that the online pre-registration option will be suspended in the FCT on Monday, 15th September 2025.
“Consequently, the online pre-registration option in the FCT will be suspended on Monday, 15th September 2025, to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration at the designated physical (in-person) centres without which the online option alone is invalid,” the Commission explained.
Citing the Electoral Act 2022, INEC emphasized that voter registration must stop at least 90 days before an election.
“The voter registration in the FCT will be suspended on 8th October 2025 in line with the provision of Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022 which requires the Commission to end the process not later than 90 days before the date fixed for elections. The FCT Area Council election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February 2026,” the release stated.
INEC also clarified that voter registration will resume after the elections and continue until August 2026 when it will again be suspended nationwide ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Commission urged citizens to take full advantage of the ward-level registration.
“We appeal to all eligible citizens who are not registered voters to seize the opportunity of the devolution of the exercise to Ward level in the FCT to register. Citizens who are registered voters elsewhere in the country may also transfer their registration to the FCT.
“Similarly, those who are already registered voters may transfer their registration to other parts of the FCT of their preference. However, no person should register more than once as double or multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law,” the statement warned.
INEC confirmed that the list and addresses of all 69 registration centres have been uploaded to its official website and other communication platforms.
“The public is invited to note the dates and locations of the devolved CVR and turn out en masse to register ahead of the deadline,” the statement concluded.