The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved the devolution of the ongoing voter registration to Ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The electoral body also suspended online pre-registration in the nation’s capital.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun in a statement issued Friday said the devolved registration would commence on Monday 29th September 2025 and end on Wednesday 8th October 2025.
He stressed that the FCT Area Council election is scheduled to hold on Saturday, 21st February 2026.
The National commissioner added that the online and in-person registration would resume after the election and continue until August 2026 when the nationwide CVR would also be suspended ahead of the 2027 general election as earlier announced by the Commission.
Olumekun noted: “The Commission has approved the devolution of the ongoing voter registration to Ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“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.
“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.”
Consequently, Olumekun added that the online pre-registration option in the FCT would 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.
He noted: “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.
Olumekun stressed that the list and addresses of the centres have been uploaded in its website and other official platforms for public information.
The commission appealed 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.
He explained that citizens who are registered voters elsewhere in the country may also transfer their registration to the FCT.
Similarly, Olumekun emphasised that those who are already registered voters may transfer their registration to other parts of the FCT of their preference.
However, he reiterated that no person should register more than once as double or multiple registration is a punishable offence under the law.