With about two months to the February 12, 2022, Area Council election in the Federal Capital Territory, the Independent National Electoral Commission has suspended the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the FCT.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, announced this in a statement issued on Thursday night.

According to him, the temporary suspension of the exercise would take effect from Sunday December 12, 2021.

Okoye said INEC had also suspended services for all voter updates, transfers, and reviews in relation to the FCT.

He said, “By section 9(5) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the registration of voters, updating and revision of the register of voters shall stop not later than 60 days before any election covered by the Act.

“Consequently, the commission will, in compliance, suspend further registration of voters in the FCT with effect from December 12, 2021.

“To contain the anticipated upsurge as the Continuous Voters’ Registration winds down in the FCT, the Commission has deployed additional INEC Voter Enrolment Devices to the registration centres.

“A total of 17 IVEDs have been distributed based on two per Area Council and five at the Registration Centre.

“All appointments beyond December 12, 2021 have been rescheduled and notifications sent to the affected persons through email.

“The commission has also suspended services for all voter updates, transfers, and reviews in relation to the FCT.

“The Permanent Voters’ Cards of new registrants will be printed and made available for collection immediately after the required processes have been completed and well ahead of the election scheduled for Saturday February 12, 2021.

“The commission remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, and safe elections in Nigeria.”