As part of its early preparations for the general elections in 2027, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to commence a nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) drive on August 18, 2025.
At a news conference in Makurdi, the state capital, on Monday, Professor Sam Egwu, Benue State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), revealed the information. Prof. Egwu claims that the exercise is required by the constitution and intends to register Nigerians who turned 18 after the 2023 elections or who were previously unable to do so for a variety of reasons, such as being abroad or incarcerated.
The CVR will be conducted in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It will begin with an online pre-registration phase through the official INEC website, starting August 18, followed by in-person registration at all INEC Area Offices and designated centres nationwide, commencing August 25, 2025. The physical exercise will run weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
“The process is open to new registrants, those seeking to replace lost or damaged PVCs, individuals requiring corrections to their data, and voters wishing to transfer their registration within or across states, wards, or polling units,” Egwu explained.
He emphasized that registration is completely free and warned the public against offering or paying bribes to officials. “Nobody should pay a dime to be registered. Early participation will help reduce the pressure and delays we’ve experienced in previous exercises,” he cautioned.
The REC urged Nigerians to take full advantage of the opportunity, noting that the voter register must reflect current realities and ensure inclusiveness ahead of the upcoming electoral cycle.
