INEC to Begin Nationwide Voter Registration on August 18 Ahead of 2027 Elections
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections intensifies, Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the commencement of a nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The electoral body has set August 18, 2025, as the launch date for the highly anticipated registration drive — a crucial step in expanding voter participation, updating the national voter roll, and reinforcing public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The announcement was made by Professor Sam Egwu, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Benue State, during a media briefing held in Makurdi. The declaration has since been confirmed by INEC’s national headquarters in Abuja, signaling the Commission’s readiness to implement a nationwide operation targeting millions of eligible Nigerians — particularly those who turned 18 after the last general elections in 2023.
A Timely Move: Setting the Stage for 2027
With just under two years until Nigerians head to the polls again, the upcoming voter registration exercise marks a major milestone in the preparation for the 2027 electoral cycle. It also represents the first CVR activity since the 2023 general elections, which were fraught with logistical hiccups, voter apathy in some regions, and post-election legal battles.
Professor Egwu, while addressing journalists, emphasized that this CVR exercise is not only constitutionally mandated, but also strategically timed to capture new voters, update the electoral register, and rectify existing anomalies before the 2027 elections.
“The CVR will allow us to include first-time voters, process updates for those who have changed residences, and issue new cards to those who have lost or damaged their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs),” he said.
Dual-Phase Registration: Online First, Then Physical
INEC has adopted a two-phase strategy for the voter registration exercise. The initiative will kick off with online pre-registration beginning on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person biometric capturing and PVC issuance starting August 25, 2025.
Phase 1: Online Pre-Registration
Nigerians will be able to begin the registration process via INEC’s official portal. The online platform allows applicants to fill in their biodata, upload photographs, and schedule appointments for physical verification. This approach is designed to ease congestion at registration centres and promote digital efficiency.
Phase 2: Physical (Biometric) Registration
Starting August 25, in-person registration will be conducted across all INEC Area Offices and designated centres in Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas. Registration centres will operate Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Applicants will undergo biometric capturing (fingerprints and photographs) and data verification.
Who Is Eligible?
According to INEC, the CVR exercise targets a broad spectrum of citizens, including:
First-Time Voters: Nigerians who turned 18 since the last general elections in 2023.
Unregistered Eligible Citizens: Individuals who, for any reason, did not register in the previous cycles.
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Provisions will be made to include Nigerians displaced due to conflict or natural disasters.
Correction Applicants: Voters needing to correct names, gender, date of birth, or any other personal information.
Transfer Applicants: Citizens relocating to new polling units or wards.
Lost/Damaged PVC Replacements: Individuals requiring reissuance of missing or damaged cards.
INEC Warns Against Financial Exploitation
In anticipation of the CVR launch, INEC has issued strong warnings against extortion, emphasizing that registration is entirely free. Professor Egwu warned Nigerians not to pay any INEC staff, security agents, or third-party agents for voter registration services.
“There is no fee for registration. Anyone asking for money is acting illegally. We will work with law enforcement to arrest and prosecute offenders,” he stated.
INEC also encouraged registrants to report any form of intimidation, bribery, or attempted voter suppression during the registration period.
Special Considerations for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs)
Recognizing the impact of insecurity on electoral participation, especially in conflict-affected states such as Borno, Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Plateau, INEC has pledged to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are not disenfranchised.
The Commission is currently working with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and state governments to map IDP camps and settlements. Registration centres will be strategically located near IDP clusters to allow for easy access.
INEC’s Strategic Objectives
The Commission has outlined several key goals for the 2025–2026 CVR exercise:
Expanding the Voter Base: INEC aims to register at least 15 million new voters before the 2027 elections.
Enhancing Data Integrity: The Commission plans to clean up the voter register by eliminating duplicate entries and invalid records.
Improving Accessibility: By creating additional registration points and deploying mobile registration kits in remote areas, INEC seeks to remove geographical barriers to participation.
Digitizing Electoral Infrastructure: The pre-registration process is part of INEC’s larger goal to digitize the entire electoral ecosystem.
Reactions: Stakeholders Weigh In
The announcement has generated widespread commentary from political stakeholders, civil society, youth groups, and citizens alike.
Political Parties
Leaders of political parties have welcomed the announcement but also urged INEC to ensure transparency and equitable access across all regions.
“This is an opportunity to fix many of the issues we saw in 2023,” said Abubakar Isa, spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). “We want to see INEC deploy resources evenly, especially in opposition strongholds.”
Civil Society Groups
Organizations such as YIAGA Africa, CDD (Centre for Democracy and Development), and Enough is Enough Nigeria (EiE) have pledged to launch nationwide voter education and mobilization campaigns.
“Beyond registration, we must ensure that people understand the power of their vote,” said Cynthia Mbamalu, Program Director at YIAGA Africa.
Youth and Student Bodies
Given the large number of young Nigerians reaching voting age, student unions and youth advocacy groups have also begun planning awareness campaigns.
“We want every 18-year-old to register and vote in 2027,” said Oluwatosin Adebayo, National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). “The future belongs to us, and it starts with registering to vote.”
A Look at Past CVR Data
INEC’s 2022–2023 CVR cycle ahead of the 2023 general election saw over 12.3 million new voters added to the register, bringing the total number of registered voters to 93.4 million.
A breakdown of that data showed:
Youth (18–35): 76% of new registrants
Women: 48.6% of total new registrants
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs): 0.3%
While hailed as a success, that exercise also faced logistical challenges — including poor internet in rural areas, voter apathy, and the late start of registration in some zones. INEC now says it has learned from those setbacks.
“We are better prepared. Lessons from 2023 are guiding our new deployment model,” said INEC National Commissioner, Festus Okoye.
Digital Tools and Innovations
INEC has upgraded its digital systems to streamline the voter registration process. These include:
INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED): Mobile kits used for biometric capturing.
INEC Online Pre-Registration Portal: Designed to collect preliminary data, minimizing crowding.
Real-Time Data Dashboard: Monitors daily registration numbers across all states.
Voter Education Chatbots: Deployed on WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook to assist registrants with FAQs.
Additionally, INEC plans to deploy drones and satellite surveillance in high-risk regions to monitor security and ensure the safety of voters and officials.
Voter Education: Bridging the Awareness Gap
For the CVR to be effective, massive voter education is essential. INEC has collaborated with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and local radio/TV stations to launch jingles and skits in English and major Nigerian languages — Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Pidgin, and others.
Targeted campaigns will also be rolled out in:
Schools and universities
Markets and religious centres
Motor parks and rural gatherings
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INEC is also working with traditional rulers, clergy, and community leaders to spread awareness and encourage participation.
Potential Obstacles and Mitigation Plans
Despite the strong planning, there are anticipated challenges:
Insecurity in Certain Regions
Ongoing conflicts in the North-West and South-East may hinder field operations. INEC will collaborate with the Nigerian Police, NSCDC, and military for security cover.
Logistical Constraints
Bad roads and weather conditions in rural areas may delay deployment. INEC plans to use motorcycles, speedboats, and solar-powered devices in hard-to-reach locations.
Voter Apathy
Many Nigerians remain disillusioned with the political process. Civil society is leading efforts to re-engage the electorate through town hall meetings, online influencers, and storytelling campaigns.
Disinformation
Fake news may discourage participation or mislead citizens. INEC has set up a Fact-Checking Desk in collaboration with Dubawa and Africa Check to tackle misinformation.
Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?
Once the CVR exercise begins, INEC will periodically release data on:
Number of new registrations
Transfers and corrections
PVC collection statistics
Registrants by age, gender, and region
The Commission has promised monthly press briefings and social media transparency dashboards to keep the public informed.
INEC has also clarified that the closing date for the CVR will be announced later, depending on the registration turnout and operational realities.
“We want every eligible Nigerian to participate. We are not in a hurry to close the window,” said Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman.
Conclusion: The March Toward 2027 Begins
The announcement of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise marks the formal start of Nigeria’s journey to the 2027 general elections. It is a call to action — not only for INEC but for citizens, civil society, political parties, and the media.
With the digital transformation of the voter registration process, broader inclusion of youth and displaced persons, and a renewed emphasis on transparency, INEC aims to deliver a credible, inclusive, and efficient electoral process.
As the Commission prepares to roll out its most expansive CVR operation yet, the responsibility now lies with Nigerians — to rise above disillusionment, seize the opportunity, and register their voices at the ballot.
“If we want better leaders in 2027, it starts now. Register. Participate. Vote,” said Dr. Aisha Kura, a civic activist in Kano. “Democracy is not a one-day event. It’s a process — and voter registration is step one.”
How to Register: Quick Steps
- Visit INEC’s website on August 18.
- Fill in your personal details and upload a passport photo.
- Schedule your appointment at the nearest INEC office.
- Visit in person from August 25 for biometric capturing.
- Collect your PVC when notified.