SPLITTING OF PUs: INEC CLARIFIES, SAYS IT WAS DONE IN 2022 NOT DURING FCT POLLS

Abuja, Nigeria, February 26, 2026

The (INEC) has clarified that the splitting of polling units (PUs) to enhance voter participation was carried out in 2022 and not in the lead-up to the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council elections.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Adedayo Oketola, the Commission dismissed claims suggesting that polling units were restructured shortly before the FCT polls. According to the statement, the exercise to split overcrowded polling units was concluded nationwide in 2022 as part of efforts to improve electoral efficiency and ensure a more seamless voting process.

INEC emphasized that no voter was migrated to other polling units during the FCT Area Council elections. The Commission reassured the public that the structure and locations of polling units used for the elections remained consistent with the established framework following the 2022 reorganization.

Addressing concerns over text messages and emails sent to affected voters between Wednesday, February 18; Thursday, February 19; Friday, February 20; and Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Commission explained that the notifications were merely reminders. These messages were designed to help voters identify and confirm their designated polling units ahead of the elections.

The electoral body reiterated its commitment to transparency and credible electoral processes, urging voters to disregard misinformation and rely on official communication channels for accurate updates regarding polling arrangements.