..suspends ongoing pre-registration
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has announced its approval of the devolution of the ongoing voters registration to Ward Level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the decision was in line with INEC policy as it approach major off-cycle elections and as was done ahead of the Edo and Ondo governorship elections last year and more recently in Anambra State, for the forthcoming governorship election.
The statement read: “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.
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“The devolved registration 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 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.
“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 list and addresses of the centres have been uploaded to our website and other official platforms for public information.
“We therefore, 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. 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 registration is a punishable offence under the law”, it said.
It urged the public to note the dates and locations of the devolved CVR and turnout enmasse to register ahead of the deadline.
