INEC Extends Voter Registration In Anambra, 96,085 Persons Enrol in 9 Days
In a move to accommodate the increasing number of prospective voters, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a three-day extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State. Initially scheduled to end on Thursday, July 17, 2025, the registration will now continue until Sunday, July 20, 2025.
The extension follows overwhelming appeals from various stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, community leaders, and the general public who cited logistical and timing challenges. During its weekly meeting at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja, the Commission reviewed the turnout and logistical realities on the ground before reaching the decision.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), the Commission was impressed by the orderly conduct of the exercise across all 326 registration centers in Anambra State.
“As of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a total of 96,085 new voters had registered. This translates to an average of over 10,600 registrants per day, a clear indication of the eagerness of Anambra citizens to participate in the democratic process,” Olumekun said.
Preliminary data from the ongoing exercise reveals that youth and women make up a significant portion of the new registrants. Of the 96,085 new registrants, 56,017 (58%) are female, while 50,429 (52.48%) fall within the youth demographic aged 18 to 34. This demographic surge has been attributed to extensive awareness campaigns by non-governmental organizations, local influencers, and increased political consciousness among young people in the state.
INEC also recorded 12,595 requests for intra- and inter-state voter transfers and another 7,061 applications for updates or replacements of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). These requests were largely from people who had relocated due to marriage, employment, or education, as well as those who lost or damaged their PVCs.
Following the close of the registration window on Sunday, July 20, 2025, INEC will begin the next phase of the voter registration process. This includes displaying the preliminary register of voters for public scrutiny, in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2022.
The purpose of this display is to allow registrants and interested parties to verify their information and raise objections in cases of double registration, ineligibility, or errors. The display will run for a stipulated period before the Commission embarks on a comprehensive data clean-up using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), which ensures the elimination of duplicate or fictitious entries.
A final detailed breakdown of registrants—categorizing them by age, gender, occupation, and disability status—will be published after the clean-up phase. This step will enhance transparency and give political actors an accurate picture of the voter landscape ahead of the Anambra Governorship Election.
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In a related development, INEC disclosed that it has received five additional letters of intent from associations seeking registration as political parties. This development brings the number of pending applications to 134.
Each application includes details such as the proposed party’s name, acronym, logo, physical address, and interim leadership. The Commission has made these details publicly accessible on its website and social media platforms to promote transparency and invite public scrutiny.
According to Olumekun, this move aligns with INEC’s strategic commitment to openness, inclusivity, and civic participation. “We encourage citizens to visit our online platforms to view the applications and provide feedback or raise objections in line with the provisions of the law.”
Stakeholders from various sectors have commended INEC’s responsiveness. The Anambra State chapter of the Civil Society Situation Room welcomed the extension, stating that many rural dwellers and students had been unable to access registration points during the workweek.
“We urge INEC to consider extending the exercise to tertiary institutions and market centers, where access to registration points has historically been limited,” said Dr. Amaka Nwosu, a spokesperson for the coalition.
Political parties have also reacted positively. The Anambra State chairperson of the Labour Party, Mrs. Chinwe Eze, said the extension would give young voters—many of whom were first-timers—a fair opportunity to register.
“We have mobilized our youth wings to encourage more registrations over the weekend,” she noted.
However, some observers have raised concerns about whether the three-day extension will be sufficient to meet the growing demand. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a coalition of over 400 civil society organizations, called for a more flexible, data-driven approach.
“While we applaud the extension, we urge INEC to evaluate registration density in real time and allow for micro-extensions in highly populated centers,” TMG’s statement read.
With Anambra’s next governorship election looming, the success of the CVR exercise will play a significant role in shaping the political terrain. Analysts note that voter enthusiasm, particularly among youth and women, could signal a major shift in electoral participation and candidate priorities.
According to Dr. Vincent Uba, a political science lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, the 2025 election may present a different electoral dynamic.
“Young people are not just registering—they’re asking tough questions about governance, integrity, and service delivery. Any serious candidate must now address this new level of voter sophistication,” he said.
INEC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters in Anambra are given the opportunity to register, vote, and be counted. The Commission also emphasized that the integrity of the register remains sacrosanct, and any attempt at fraudulent registration will be detected and addressed through its biometric verification systems.
The extension of the CVR exercise in Anambra State underscores the Independent National Electoral Commission’s responsiveness to the needs of citizens. With over 96,000 registrations in just nine days and counting, the enthusiasm of young people and women suggests a heightened political awareness in the state.
As INEC gears up for the Anambra Governorship Election, all eyes will be on how the Commission translates registration enthusiasm into electoral credibility. The coming weeks—especially the post-registration clean-up, publication of the preliminary register, and the adjudication of political party applications—will be critical in setting the tone for a transparent, inclusive, and credible electoral process in the state.
The journey towards a more representative democracy in Anambra, and Nigeria by extension, is clearly gaining momentum. The task now is for all stakeholders—INEC, political actors, civil society, and the electorate—to sustain this momentum and ensure that every eligible voice is heard at the ballot box.