INEC to Begin Nationwide Voter Registration August 18 Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence across Nigeria on August 18, 2025, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The commission said the exercise will be conducted in three phases at over 811 registration centres nationwide, with both online and physical registration options available to eligible citizens.

According to INEC, the nationwide CVR will be held at designated ward registration centres, enabling more Nigerians to register, update their details, or transfer their voter information ahead of the polls. The commission emphasised that the process is crucial for ensuring the credibility of the electoral roll, stressing its campaign message: “Your votes start with registration. Don’t miss your opportunity to register.”

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Three-Phase Registration Schedule

The CVR will be implemented in structured phases to allow for adequate preparation, display of registers, and processing of claims or objections.

Phase One will run from August 18 to December 10, 2025. During this period, the commission’s online pre-registration portal — cvr.inecnigeria.org — will open to the public. Physical registration for in-person applicants will start a week later on August 25, 2025, at all local government offices and designated registration centres. After the first phase, INEC will display the preliminary voters’ register between December 15 and 21, 2025, to allow Nigerians to check their details and raise objections where necessary.

Phase Two will begin on January 5, 2026, and conclude on April 17, 2026. The voters’ register for this phase will be displayed from April 20 to 26, 2026. This step allows members of the public to verify the accuracy of the entries, identify errors, and flag ineligible names for removal.

Phase Three, the final stage of the exercise, will be conducted between May 4 and August 17, 2026. The register will then be displayed for public scrutiny from August 24 to 30, 2026. By the end of this phase, INEC aims to have an updated and accurate national voters’ register in place ahead of the 2027 elections.

Registration Process and Centres

INEC confirmed that the registration exercise will be held on weekdays — Mondays to Fridays — from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. Applicants can either complete their pre-registration online before visiting a centre to capture their biometrics or register entirely in person at one of the 811 designated centres across the country.

The process covers new voter registration, transfer of voting location, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction of personal details such as name, date of birth, or address. The commission reminded citizens that only Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old and have not previously registered are eligible to sign up as new voters.

Building on State-Level Exercises

INEC noted that it recently completed a CVR in Anambra State ahead of its governorship election. However, individuals in the state who were unable to participate in that exercise will have another chance during the nationwide CVR starting this August.

The commission stressed that this registration period is particularly important for Nigerians who have changed their place of residence or voting location since the last elections, as they need to transfer their voter information to avoid being disenfranchised in 2027.

Encouraging Mass Participation

INEC’s voter education campaigns will run alongside the CVR exercise to encourage more Nigerians — especially young people and first-time voters — to register early. According to the commission, proactive participation in the registration process will help reduce last-minute rushes and logistical challenges closer to election time.

The commission also plans to deploy voter registration officials and equipment to underserved and hard-to-reach areas during the exercise, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

A Key Step Toward 2027

The launch of the nationwide CVR marks one of INEC’s earliest preparations for the 2027 elections. Updating the voters’ register is a constitutional requirement and a cornerstone of credible elections. The phased schedule, combined with the integration of online pre-registration, is intended to make the process more efficient and transparent.

As the commission reiterated, “Every eligible citizen has a duty to register. The voter’s card is your power to shape the future of our democracy.” With the exercise spanning an entire year across its three phases, Nigerians have an extended window to take part and ensure their names are included in the register that will determine who votes in 2027.