By Ogechi Okorie
Abuja (Precise Post) – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rose from a meeting on Thursday with a communique that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections will hold on Saturday February 12, 2022.
It also announced the suspension of services for all voter updates, transfers, and reviews in relation to the FCT, adding that he Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) of new registrants will be printed and made available for collection immediately after the required processes have been completed.
This was contained in a statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye made available to Precise Post.
Recall that according to section 103(1) of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended), the Commission is empowered to conduct elections into the offices of Chairman, Vice Chairman, and members of the Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Pursuant to this power, the Commission met on 30th March 2021 and fixed Saturday 12th February 2022 for the conduct of elections to these positions.
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 (CVR) winds down in the FCT, the Commission has deployed additional INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) to the registration centres. A total of 17 IVEDs have been distributed based on 2 per Area Council and 5 at the Registration Centre.
“All appointments beyond 12th December 2021 have been rescheduled and notifications sent to the affected persons through email.
Okoye reiterated the Commission’s commitment to the conduct of free, fair and safe elections in Nigeria.
