FCT: INEC Approves Ward-Level Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the devolution of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The commission explained that the move aligns with its policy of bringing voter registration closer to the people, especially as it prepares for major off-cycle elections, similar to measures adopted before the Edo and Ondo governorship elections, and most recently in Anambra State ahead of its governorship poll.

According to INEC, the exercise in the FCT will run from Monday, September 29, 2025, to Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

As part of the arrangements, the online pre-registration option in the FCT will be suspended on Monday, September 15, 2025, to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration physically at designated centres. INEC stressed that online pre-registration alone is invalid without in-person completion.

The commission further noted that voter registration in the FCT will be suspended on October 8, 2025, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the suspension of voter registration not later than 90 days before elections.

The FCT Area Council election has been fixed for Saturday, February 21, 2026. INEC also disclosed that voter registration—both online and physical—will resume after the election and continue until August 2026, when the nationwide CVR will be suspended ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The list and addresses of designated centres have already been uploaded to INEC’s website and official platforms for public information.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC appealed to all eligible citizens in the FCT who are yet to register to take advantage of the ward-level exercise.

The statement further advised registered voters who wish to transfer their registration to the FCT—or within different wards of the FCT—to also use this opportunity.

However, INEC cautioned that no individual should register more than once, as double or multiple registrations remain punishable offences under the law.