INEC approves ward-level voter registration in FCT, suspends online option
INEC
By
Ige Sunday
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a major development in voter registration within the Federal Capital Territory.
This is detailed in a Friday press release signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun and posted on the agency’s social media.
The commission stated, “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.”
As part of the decision, physical (in-person) registration has now been extended.
“Accordingly, the physical (in-person) registration currently taking place in the FCT office and the six Area Council offices of the Commission has been extended to all the 62 Wards, making a total of 69 centres,” it further read.
INEC confirmed that the devolved registration will: “Commence on Monday 29th September 2025 and end on Wednesday 8th October 2025.”
The Commission further announced the suspension of online pre-registration.
“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 electoral body noted.
Citing the Electoral Act 2022, INEC emphasized that: “The voter registration in the FCT will be suspended on 8th October 2025 in line with 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 also clarified the post-election timeline.
The agency earlier noted that voters registration will end in August 2026.
“The online and in-person registration will resume after the election and continue until August 2026 when the nationwide CVR will also be suspended ahead of the 2027 General Election as earlier announced by the Commission,” it added.
Citizens are urged to take advantage of the exercise.
“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,” INEC urged.
INEC confirmed that the list and addresses of all 69 centres have been uploaded to its official website and other platforms.
The statement concluded with a call to action.
“The public is invited to note the dates and locations of the devolved CVR and turnout enmasse to register ahead of the deadline,” it concluded.