INEC confirms voters were not moved during FCT polls, clarifying split polling units were set up to reduce congestion on election day
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that no voters were moved from their original polling units during the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections, despite reports suggesting otherwise.
Also read: INEC Holds First Elections Under 2026 Electoral Act in FCT, Rivers, Kano
The commission stated that split polling units were created at larger centres to ease traffic and congestion on election day.
Wilfred Ifogah, Acting Director of INEC Voter Education and Publicity (VEP), explained in a statement that polling units with over 1,250 registered voters were divided into split units located just a few metres away from the original units within the same premises.
The move was designed to ensure smoother operations and prevent overcrowding during voting.
“The commission wishes to state categorically that voters were not migrated,” Ifogah said.
“The split units are located within the same premises as the original polling units, and all affected voters were notified in advance via emails and SMS messages on February 18, 19, 20, and 21 with the exact locations of their designated split polling units.”
INEC also highlighted that voter registers were displayed at the split polling units four days before the elections to allow citizens to confirm their details and locations.
According to Ifogah, 45% of polling units opened by 8:30 a.m., while all units were verified to be operational by 10 a.m. on election day, as recorded on the commission’s Election Operations Dashboard.
Also read: Court Orders INEC to Register National Democratic Party
The commission urged the public to disregard misinformation about voter migration, reiterating that the adjustments were made solely to improve the voting experience and reduce congestion at busy polling stations.
