By Joy Odor, Abuja
In a decisive move to accommodate the surging number of new voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a four-day extension of the ongoing Ward-Level Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Originally slated to end today, Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the exercise will now continue until Sunday, October 12, 2025, following a comprehensive review by the Commission at its Third Quarterly Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held on Tuesday.
According to INEC, the extension became necessary after the Commission recorded an impressive 55,346 new voter registrations across the FCT, a figure that reflects both heightened public enthusiasm and the effectiveness of the grassroots voter registration strategy.
Of this total, 38,528 were online pre-registrations, while 16,818 were completed physical registrations, underscoring what officials described as a “remarkable level of civic engagement” among residents.
INEC, however, reaffirmed that online pre-registration remains suspended to ensure that all registrants validate their details in person at designated centres, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
In a statement signed by Victoria Eta-Messi, Director of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC urged eligible citizens who have not yet registered to seize the opportunity of the extended window to do so.
The Commission also reminded voters wishing to transfer their registration to or within the FCT to complete the process before the new deadline.
“Multiple registration remains a punishable offence under the law,” INEC cautioned, even as it expressed appreciation to FCT residents, field officials, and other stakeholders for their “dedication to a seamless and inclusive registration exercise.”
The Commission assured residents that the list and addresses of all registration centres remain available on its official website and social media platforms.
With just days left before the new deadline, INEC’s extension signals a strong push to deepen voter participation ahead of upcoming elections and a clear message that no eligible voter should be left behind.
