INEC Sets August 18 as Start Date for Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence on August 18, 2025. This exercise, designed to accommodate eligible Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections, was revealed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Benue State, Professor Sam Egwu, during a press briefing on Monday.

CVR is a crucial part of Nigeria’s electoral process. It provides citizens who have newly attained the voting age or those who were previously unable to register with an opportunity to exercise their constitutional right. Professor Egwu emphasized that this nationwide effort aligns with provisions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which mandate INEC to update the voters' register regularly and inclusively.

With just under two years until the 2027 general elections, INEC’s decision to begin the registration process early reflects its aim to improve participation, accessibility and efficiency. According to Egwu, the CVR exercise will unfold in two stages. The first phase involves an online pre-registration process that begins on August 18. This digital approach is intended to reduce congestion and simplify the experience for registrants.

The online platform, accessible through the official INEC website, will allow eligible citizens to input their personal details, select their preferred registration center and schedule appointments. The use of technology in this phase is also expected to reduce the burden on INEC staff and improve the integrity of the data being collected.

A week after the online phase begins, the second phase will roll out, offering physical in-person registration at all INEC Area Offices across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Physical registration will begin on August 25, 2025, and will be conducted from Monday to Friday, between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Additional designated registration centers may be announced to further enhance access for prospective voters, especially those in remote or underserved communities.

During the briefing, Professor Egwu outlined the categories of Nigerians who stand to benefit from this CVR exercise. These include individuals who have turned 18 since the 2023 general elections and those who could not register previously due to various circumstances such as being abroad, incarceration or personal disinterest. He made it clear that these individuals would now have the opportunity to be included in the national voters' register.

Beyond new registrants, the CVR will also cater to Nigerians who need to correct errors in their registration data. This includes those who lost or damaged their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or those requesting changes to personal information such as name or address. Others may be seeking transfers either between states, local government areas, or polling units.

Professor Egwu issued a firm warning against any form of financial inducement or exploitation during the registration process. He reminded Nigerians that voter registration is free and no one should pay or give gifts to be attended to. He urged prospective voters to avoid the last-minute rush and to begin their registration as soon as the portal opens to prevent overcrowding, long queues and the frustrations that often accompany late registration periods.

“This is a vital opportunity for Nigerians, especially the youth, to get involved in the democratic process. By registering early and accurately, they help to build a more inclusive and participatory political system,” Egwu said.

INEC has pledged to ensure a seamless and transparent process, leveraging technology and deploying trained staff to assist registrants. The commission has also promised that all eligible registrants will be captured and provided with their PVCs in time for the elections.

Voter registration forms a critical foundation of the electoral process. With this early start, INEC is signaling its readiness to conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027. Citizens are now being called upon to seize this opportunity, verify their registration status, update their records if needed and encourage others to participate.

As the countdown to 2027 begins, the CVR exercise marks a significant first step in what will be a long but essential journey toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.