The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise at the ward level in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by four days, allowing more residents to participate before the official close of registration.
Naija News reports that the exercise, initially set to end on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, will now continue until Sunday, October 12, 2025, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi.
The decision was taken after INEC’s Third Quarterly Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), where the commission reviewed field reports and progress updates from the ongoing exercise.
“Following the review, the Commission approved a four-day extension of the ongoing ward-level CVR exercise in the FCT,” Eta-Messi said.
“Consequently, the exercise which was earlier scheduled to end today, Wednesday, 8th October 2025, will now continue until Sunday, 12th October 2025.”
55,346 New Registrations Recorded
As of October 7, INEC confirmed that 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded across the FCT.
Out of this number, 38,528 were online pre-registrations, while 16,818 represented completed physical registrations at designated centres.
INEC described the turnout as “impressive,” noting that the extension reflects citizens’ growing interest in the electoral process and the success of bringing voter registration closer to local communities.
“This impressive turnout underscores the growing civic awareness among residents and the effectiveness of devolving the exercise to the grassroots,” the commission stated.
Online Pre-Registration Remains Suspended
INEC reiterated that the online pre-registration option remains suspended in the FCT to ensure that all registrants physically complete their process in accordance with the Electoral Act, 2022.
“As earlier announced, the online pre-registration option in the FCT remains suspended to enable all pre-registrants to complete their registration in person,” Eta-Messi explained.
“This measure ensures the validity of their records as required by law.”
The commission urged all eligible residents who have not registered or wish to transfer their voter details to take advantage of the extension.
It also reminded citizens that multiple registration is a punishable offence, urging everyone to adhere to the guidelines.
“All eligible citizens who have not yet registered should seize the opportunity of the extended timeline. However, multiple registration remains an offence punishable by law,” the statement warned.
FCT Area Council Elections Ahead
Preparations are intensifying for the FCT Area Council elections, scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
INEC has already released the final list of candidates from 17 political parties who met the nomination deadline of August 11, 2025.
A total of 68 elective positions will be contested — six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats — across the six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
INEC assured that it remains fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, and credible election as campaigns continue across the territory.
