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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, starting today, Monday, August 18, 2025.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, INEC said the exercise will begin with the online pre-registration phase, allowing eligible Nigerians to start their registration via the portal www.cvr.inecnigeria.org before the physical exercise begins. According to the commission, in-person registration will start on Monday, August 25, 2025, and will take place at all its 37 state offices and 774 local government area (LGA) offices across the country.
The electoral umpire explained that the CVR exercise is open to new voters aged 18 and above, Nigerians who wish to collect or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those who need to replace lost or damaged PVCs. INEC further emphasized that the registration exercise is meant to ensure easy access for prospective voters across all regions of the country.
“The CVR exercise is open to new voters aged 18 and above, those who wish to collect or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and individuals who need to replace lost or damaged PVCs,” the statement read.
INEC also cautioned against multiple registrations, warning that violators will face penalties in line with electoral regulations. The commission advised Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunity to register, stressing that voter registration is critical for inclusive participation in the democratic process.
To assist citizens with inquiries, INEC provided a dedicated call centre line, 0700-CALL-INEC (0700-2255-4632), and a short code, 4632, for easy communication with the commission.
The electoral body reiterated its commitment to consolidating Nigeria’s democracy, assuring the public that every eligible voter will be given the chance to register ahead of upcoming elections. INEC also urged Nigerians not to wait until the last minute, reminding them that registering early will help avoid congestion and late-hour pressure before election deadlines.
Voter registration in Nigeria has remained a critical process in every election cycle, as it determines who can exercise the right to vote and strengthens the credibility of elections. Political observers have often noted that poor voter registration and apathy weaken democratic participation, especially among young people who make up a significant portion of Nigeria’s population.
This new phase of the CVR comes at a time when the commission is under pressure to ensure a credible process, following past criticisms over late registrations, technical glitches, and poor voter awareness. With the expansion of registration points to local government offices nationwide, INEC hopes to reach more Nigerians, especially those in rural communities who often face challenges accessing registration centres.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, INEC’s move is expected to increase voter turnout and give citizens, particularly first-time voters, an opportunity to contribute to shaping the country’s democracy.