The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State by three days, shifting the deadline from July 17 to July 20, 2025, in response to strong public demand and stakeholder appeals.
The announcement, made after INEC’s weekly meeting in Abuja, aims to ensure more eligible voters can participate in the upcoming off-cycle governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed that 96,085 new voters were registered across 326 registration centers in Anambra within nine days, averaging over 10,600 registrations daily.
Additionally, 12,595 voters applied for registration transfers within or outside the state, while 7,061 requested updates or replacements for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“The Commission is pleased with the impressive turnout and peaceful conduct of the CVR,” Olumekun said, noting that 58% of new registrants (56,017) are female and 52.48% (50,429) are youths aged 18–34.
The extension follows appeals from citizens and groups, including the Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth, who criticized initial logistical challenges, such as inadequate machines and personnel.
Former National Human Rights Commission Chairman Chidi Odinkalu also called for an extension, describing the initial process as “an intentional disaster” due to under-resourced registration units.
INEC responded by pledging to improve operational efficiency during the extended period.
Post-extension, INEC will display the voter register for claims and objections, followed by a data cleanup using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS).
A detailed breakdown of registrants by age, gender, occupation, and disability will be published for transparency.
The Commission also noted receiving five new applications for political party registration, bringing the total to 134, signaling heightened political activity ahead of 2027.
The extension has been widely welcomed, though some residents expressed concerns about accessibility in rural areas. INEC urged eligible voters to seize the opportunity to register, emphasizing its commitment to a credible electoral process.
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