2027: INEC announces date for commencement of Continuous Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence on August 25, 2025, and will run for one year in preparation for the 2026 general elections.

This was confirmed by Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, during an interview with Channels Television.

Oyekanmi explained that registration will be available both online and at physical centers nationwide. He clarified that online registration will run concurrently with in-person registration for the entire duration of the exercise.

“The online registration is not limited to a week, as some assume,” he said. “It will operate alongside the physical registration beginning August 25, and both will continue for a full year.”

To ensure broad access, INEC has established 811 registration centers across the country, including its offices in all 774 local government areas and at state headquarters.

“We urge Nigerians to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Oyekanmi said.

The registration is open to newly eligible voters who have turned 18, as well as to those who have never registered before. He also issued a strong warning against multiple registrations.

“It is illegal to register more than once. Our system can detect duplicate registrations, and offenders will be penalized,” he warned.

Oyekanmi also noted that INEC has published the addresses of all registration centers on its official website and set up a contact center to assist with inquiries.

He encouraged eligible citizens to register early and avoid last-minute rushes.

“This is a year-long exercise. Don’t wait until July next year or the final weeks. That only creates unnecessary pressure on our offices. We want to avoid any need for extensions,” he added.