The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the devolution of the ongoing voter registration exercise in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to the ward level while suspending online pre-registration.
The development was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC, Sam Olumekun, and shared on the Commission’s social media platforms.
“The Commission has approved the devolution of the ongoing voter registration to Ward level in the Federal Capital Territory,” INEC said.
It explained that the decision aligns with its policy of expanding access to registration as elections draw closer. “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 added.
With this move, registration will no longer be limited to the FCT office and the six Area Council offices. “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,” INEC confirmed.
The exercise is scheduled to run from Monday, 29th September to Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
As part of the changes, the Commission 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 umpire stated.
Citing Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC stressed that the voter registration exercise must end at least 90 days before elections. “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.”
INEC also provided clarity on its broader voter registration timetable. “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,” the statement noted.
Appealing to residents, the Commission urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the opportunity. “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,” it warned.
The Commission further disclosed 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 turnout en masse to register ahead of the deadline,” it concluded.
