INEC extends FCT voter registration by four days

The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise at the ward level across the Federal Capital Territory by four days.

This decision was made during INEC’s Third Quarterly Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners, held on Tuesday, where ongoing electoral activities were reviewed.

In a statement released on Wednesday by the Director, Voter Education and Publicity Department Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC confirmed that the registration, which was originally set to end today, will now continue until Sunday, October 12, 2025.

The voter registration at the ward level began on September 5, 2025.

Following the review, the Commission approved a four-day extension of the ongoing Ward-level CVR exercise in the FCT.

“Consequently, the exercise which was earlier scheduled to end today, Wednesday, 8th October 2025, will now continue until Sunday, 12th October 2025.

“As of 7th October 2025, a total of 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded in the FCT, comprising 38,528 online pre-registrations and 16,818 completed physical registrations.

“This impressive turnout underscores the growing civic awareness among residents and the effectiveness of devolving the exercise to the grassroots,” the commission stated.

INEC reaffirmed that the online pre-registration option remains suspended in the FCT, emphasizing that all pre-registrants must complete their registration in person at designated centres.

As earlier announced, the online pre-registration option in the FCT remains suspended to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration in person at the designated centres.

“This measure ensures the validity of their records in accordance with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022,” she added.

The electoral body urged all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to seize the opportunity of the extended timeline. It also encouraged registered voters seeking to transfer their registration either into or within the FCT to do so within the extended period.

However, it warned against multiple registrations, describing it as “a punishable offence under the law.”

INEC assured the public that the list and addresses of all registration centres remain accessible on its website and official social media platforms.

Meanwhile, the FCT Area Council elections are scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Last month, INEC published the final list of candidates contesting the 2026 elections. The list features candidates from 17 political parties who successfully submitted their nomination forms before the August 11, 2025, deadline.

A total of 68 positions are up for grabs in the upcoming elections—comprising six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.

Campaigns for the elections are already underway.