The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an overwhelming response to its new online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) system, with more than 505,000 Nigerians completing pre-registration within the first five days of the exercise.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this disclosure on Friday in Abuja during a roadshow flagging off the 2025 CVR exercise. He described the turnout as a clear sign that Nigerians are eager to participate in shaping the nation’s democracy, while also expressing confidence in INEC’s efforts to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.
The online pre-registration portal, which opened on August 18, allows citizens to begin their voter registration using smartphones and computers. From August 25, physical registration will commence at INEC offices nationwide, where applicants who registered online can complete the process by capturing their biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs.
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Yakubu stressed that possession of a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is the most powerful tool citizens have to make their voices heard at the polls. He urged every eligible Nigerian, especially first-time voters who have turned 18, to take advantage of the exercise. Registration will be conducted in 811 centers across the country, including INEC offices in all 774 local government areas, and will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Commission’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, assured the public that all INEC offices are fully prepared for the in-person registration phase. She warned against multiple registrations, noting that violators risk sanctions, and advised underage individuals to wait until they are of voting age.
According to INEC, the first phase of the CVR will close on December 10, 2025, while two additional phases are scheduled in 2026 before the final deadline of August 30, 2026.
To boost awareness, INEC has rolled out nationwide roadshows featuring staff and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) volunteers. Friday’s rally kicked off from INEC’s national headquarters and moved through major areas in Abuja, including the bustling Wuse Market, attracting large crowds.
Prof. Yakubu also called on political parties, civil society groups, and the media to support the drive by mobilizing citizens to register early and avoid last-minute rushes. He reiterated that the online portal also provides other services such as checking voter status and locating the nearest registration center.
With over half a million Nigerians already signed up in less than a week, INEC believes this digital-first approach could mark a turning point in strengthening voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
