INEC Moves Voter Registration to Ward Level in FCT, Suspends Online Pre-Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the devolution of the ongoing voter registration exercise to Ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), a move aimed at boosting participation ahead of the upcoming Area Council elections.

In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission said the decision mirrors measures adopted during off-cycle elections in Edo, Ondo, and Anambra States.

According to the release, the exercise, which has been ongoing at the FCT headquarters and the six Area Council offices, will now cover all 62 Wards, bringing the total number of registration centres to 69. The physical registration is scheduled to commence on Monday, 29th September 2025, and conclude on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

To facilitate the Ward-level registration, the Commission has suspended the online pre-registration option in the FCT from Monday, 15th September 2025, stressing that pre-registrants must complete the process at designated physical centres, as online registration alone will not be valid.

The suspension of voter registration on 8th October 2025 aligns with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the Commission to end the registration process at least 90 days before a scheduled election. The FCT Area Council election is slated for Saturday, 21st February 2026. INEC further stated that registration will resume after the election and continue until August 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission has uploaded the full list of centres and their addresses on its official platforms for public awareness.

INEC urged eligible citizens who are not yet registered to take advantage of the devolved exercise, while existing voters in other parts of the country may transfer their registration to the FCT. Similarly, registered voters within the FCT may also relocate their registration to wards of their preference. The statement cautioned that multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law.

“The public is invited to note the dates and locations of the devolved continuous voter registration (CVR) and turn out en masse to register ahead of the deadline,” the Commission said.