The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise at the ward level across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) by four days. The extension, which pushes the deadline from Wednesday, October 8, 2025, to Sunday, October 12, 2025, follows a comprehensive review of electoral activities during INEC’s Third Quarterly Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held on Tuesday.
The decision is part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing number of eligible citizens eager to participate in the upcoming FCT Area Council elections scheduled for February 21, 2026.
INEC Extends Deadline After Reviewing Field Reports
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Director of the Voter Education and Publicity Department, Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC explained that the decision to extend the registration period was taken after assessing field reports and logistical realities. According to the Commission, the move aims to ensure that no eligible resident of the FCT is disenfranchised due to timing constraints or technical delays.
“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,” the statement read.
The ward-level registration, which began on September 5, 2025, is part of INEC’s grassroots voter mobilization strategy. It was designed to make voter registration more accessible and convenient for residents across all six area councils: Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji.
Over 55,000 New Registrations Recorded
INEC revealed that as of October 7, 2025, a total of 55,346 new voter registrations had been recorded in the FCT. The breakdown shows that 38,528 of these were online pre-registrations, while 16,818 were completed physical registrations.
The Commission described the turnout as “impressive,” attributing it to growing civic awareness among residents and the success of devolving the exercise to local wards. “This impressive turnout underscores the growing civic awareness among residents and the effectiveness of devolving the exercise to the grassroots,” Eta-Messi noted.
Observers have also credited INEC’s proactive engagement with local leaders and civil society organizations for boosting participation. Several advocacy groups had urged the Commission to consider extending the exercise, citing high demand at registration centres and the need to capture latecomers.
Online Pre-Registration Still Suspended in FCT
Despite the extension, INEC reaffirmed that the online pre-registration option remains suspended in the FCT. The Commission explained that this decision was taken to ensure that all pre-registrants complete their registration physically at designated centres in line with the provisions of 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 at the designated centres,” the statement said. “This measure ensures the validity of their records and prevents duplication in the voter database.”
The Commission emphasized that the suspension is a temporary administrative measure intended to maintain the integrity of voter data, particularly as the FCT prepares for the 2026 Area Council elections.
INEC Urges Eligible Citizens to Take Advantage of Extension
INEC called on all eligible citizens who have not yet registered to seize the opportunity offered by the four-day extension. The electoral body also encouraged voters seeking to transfer their registration either into or within the FCT to do so within the extended period.
The Commission further warned against multiple registrations, stressing that it remains a criminal offence punishable under the Electoral Act. “We urge all residents to comply with the law and avoid multiple registrations, as doing so constitutes an offence that carries legal consequences,” Eta-Messi cautioned.
According to INEC, the list and addresses of all registration centres in the FCT remain accessible on its official website and social media platforms. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and convenience, assuring residents that its field officers are adequately equipped to handle the expected surge in registrants during the extended period.
Growing Momentum Toward the 2026 FCT Area Council Elections
The voter registration extension comes as political activities in the FCT gain momentum ahead of the February 2026 Area Council elections. INEC has already released the final list of candidates contesting the polls, featuring candidates from 17 political parties who met the August 11, 2025, nomination deadline.
A total of 68 elective positions are up for grabs in the elections—comprising six chairmanship and 62 councillorship seats across the six area councils. The chairmanship positions will determine leadership in Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji Area Councils.
Campaigns officially commenced in September, and political parties have intensified efforts to woo voters across the territory. Analysts say the FCT elections are often viewed as a microcosm of Nigeria’s broader democratic landscape, providing an opportunity to gauge voter sentiment and institutional readiness ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC’s Ongoing Preparations and Public Confidence
INEC has continued to emphasize its readiness to deliver credible and inclusive elections in the FCT. The Commission recently completed a review of its operational framework for the 2026 polls, with particular focus on logistics, technology deployment, and security coordination.
During the Third Quarterly Meeting with RECs, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—represented by a senior official—highlighted the Commission’s ongoing efforts to strengthen voter registration systems and enhance transparency in the electoral process. He noted that lessons learned from previous exercises, including the 2023 general elections, have informed current strategies to improve efficiency.
INEC’s improved voter education campaigns, partnership with civil society organizations, and consistent updates on electoral timelines have all contributed to rising voter confidence in the system. The FCT CVR exercise is widely seen as a test case for the Commission’s preparedness ahead of larger national exercises.
Residents React Positively to the Extension
Many FCT residents have welcomed the four-day extension, describing it as a timely intervention. In the Abuja Municipal Area Council, queues were observed at several registration centres early Wednesday morning, with residents expressing gratitude for the additional days.
A civil servant in Garki, Maryam Yusuf, told reporters that she had been struggling to register due to her work schedule. “I’m happy INEC extended the deadline. It gives people like me, who work during weekdays, a chance to register over the weekend,” she said.
Similarly, a student in Bwari, Samuel Olorunfemi, lauded the Commission for responding to public demand. “It shows INEC is listening to the people. The registration has been smooth, but the turnout is massive, so this extension will help reduce the rush,” he said.
Outlook: Sustaining the Momentum for Democratic Participation
As the FCT prepares for the 2026 Area Council elections, INEC’s decision to extend voter registration underscores its commitment to inclusivity and citizen engagement. The record number of new registrations reflects a renewed enthusiasm among residents to participate in shaping their local governance.
Analysts note that the success of the FCT voter registration drive could serve as a blueprint for future exercises across Nigeria, particularly in densely populated urban centres where logistical challenges often hinder large-scale participation.
With the new deadline of Sunday, October 12, 2025, residents of the FCT have one more opportunity to register, transfer, or update their voter details ahead of the crucial elections. INEC has reiterated its assurance that every valid registration completed during the extension period will be processed and reflected in the voter register ahead of the February 2026 polls.
For many observers, the Commission’s proactive extension decision represents not only a technical adjustment but also a reaffirmation of its evolving commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy—one voter at a time.
