From mercy Peter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the devolution of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from its area council offices to all 62 Wards, bringing registration points closer to residents ahead of the 2026 FCT Area Council elections.
In a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun (mni), the Commission explained that the decision aligns with its policy of expanding access to voter registration as major elections draw near.
Similar measures were previously adopted ahead of governorship polls in Edo, Ondo, and Anambra States.
With this move, physical (in-person) registration which had been limited to the INEC FCT office and six Area Council offices—will now be conducted in a total of 69 centres across the territory.
The devolved registration exercise will run from Monday, September 29 to Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
However, INEC announced that the online pre-registration portal for the FCT will be suspended from Monday, September 15, 2025, to allow pre-registrants to complete the mandatory biometric capture at designated physical centres.
The Commission stressed that online pre-registration alone is invalid without in-person completion.
In line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, the voter registration exercise in the FCT will formally close on October 8, 2025, not later than 90 days before the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.
The CVR will resume after the elections and continue until August 2026, when it will be suspended nationwide ahead of the 2027 General Election.
INEC advised residents to visit its official website and platforms for the full list and addresses of the registration centres.
It also urged all eligible citizens to take advantage of the devolved exercise to either register, transfer their registration to the FCT, or move within different parts of the territory as required.
The Commission, however, cautioned against double or multiple registration, reminding the public that such acts constitute offences under the law.
“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,” the statement read.
INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring an inclusive, transparent, and credible voter registration process in preparation for the forthcoming elections.
