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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has approved the devolution of the ongoing voter registration to the ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The decision, according to a statement by the Commission, is in line with their policy as they 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.
In a statement issued by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, 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 62 wards, making a total of 69 centres.
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— INEC Nigeria (@inecnigeria) September 5, 2025
The devolved registration, he said, will commence on Monday, 29th September 2025, and end on Wednesday, 8th October 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 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 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 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 Commissioner noted.
He informed us that the list and addresses of the centres have been uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information and appeals to all eligible citizens who are not registered voters to seize the opportunity of the devolution of the exercise to the 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 registrations are a punishable offence under the law,“ he remarked.
He, however, stated that the public is invited to note the dates and locations of the devolved CVR and turnout en masse to register ahead of the deadline.