INEC Records over Half a Million CVR Pre-Registrations in 5 Days

INEC Records over Half a Million CVR Pre-Registrations in 5 Days

…Commission Warns against Double Registration

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said more than 500,000 Nigerians have taken advantage of the online Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in just five days.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the official flag-off of nationwide sensitisation activities.

He was represented by National Commissioner, May Agbamuche-Mbu.

“As at midnight of Thursday, 22nd of August, 2025, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened five days ago.

“For us, this is a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the efforts of the Commission to further strengthen the electoral process,” Yakubu said.

The CVR portal was opened on Monday, August 18, 2025, allowing eligible citizens to begin pre-registration online.

The Commission announced that from Monday, August 25, 2025, physical registration will commence at INEC Local Government and State Offices nationwide. At that stage, both new and pre-registered voters will be required to complete their biometrics capture.

To boost awareness, INEC also rolled out a nationwide sensitisation campaign. In Abuja, the Voter Education and Publicity Department organised a colourful roadshow that moved from the INEC Headquarters in Maitama through Banex Plaza to the busy Wuse Market, distributing flyers and engaging residents. Similar activities are expected to take place in states across the federation.

Professor Yakubu called on all eligible citizens, particularly young Nigerians who have just turned 18, to seize the opportunity to register.
“Your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is key to making your voice heard,” he said, while urging political parties, civil society organisations, the media and stakeholders to support the awareness drive.

The CVR exercise will run in 811 centres across the country, including all 774 Local Government offices and state offices. Registration will take place Mondays to Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Through the dedicated portal, www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, citizens can pre-register, confirm their PVC status, locate registration centres, transfer their records, request replacement of lost or damaged cards, and correct personal information.

The Commission further assured that special provisions have been made for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Also speaking, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, stressed the Commission’s readiness for the in-person phase. She warned against double registration, describing it as an electoral offence with consequences.

“You must be 18 at the point of registration. This first phase is going to run up till December 10. After that, there will be a break and we will resume in January 2026. We have three phases in all, ending on August 30, 2026. So, if you are not 18 now, by August 2026 you can still take advantage of the exercise before it closes,” Eta-Messi cautioned.

Professor Yakubu appealed for collective support, noting that voter registration remains a shared responsibility.