INEC expands voter registration to all FCT wards

David Ezeugoh in Abuja

Residents of Nigeria’s capital now have the opportunity to register as voters closer to their homes, as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended voter registration to all 62 wards in the Federal Capital Territory.

In a press release on Friday, INEC said voter registration, which was previously only available at the commission’s FCT office and six Area Council offices, will now take place in all wards from September 29 to October 8, 2025.

The move brings the total number of registration centres in FCT to 69, making it easier for residents to register without travelling long distances.

National Commissioner Sam Olumekun said the decision follows INEC’s policy of moving registration closer to people before major elections, similar to what was done before the Edo, Ondo, and Anambra governorship elections.

However, online pre-registration in FCT will stop on September 15 to allow people who started registration online to complete the process at physical centres. Online registration alone is not valid without visiting a physical centre.

The commission will completely suspend voter registration in FCT on October 8, which is 90 days before the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026, as required by law.

The commissioner warned that registering more than once is a crime and urged eligible citizens to use this opportunity to register. People registered in other states can also transfer their registration to FCT.

Voter registration will resume after the FCT Area Council elections and continue until August 2026, when it will be suspended again ahead of the 2027 general elections.