INEC Unveils Continuous Voter Registration Plan For 2027 Elections

‎The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the launch of its continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise in preparation for the 2027 general elections, aiming to ensure a transparent and inclusive electoral process.
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‎The initiative, revealed by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during a press conference in Abuja on Monday, July 14, 2025, is designed to enable eligible Nigerians to register as voters, update their details, or transfer their voting locations ahead of the polls.
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‎The registration process will begin with an online pre-registration phase on August 18, 2025, allowing citizens to submit their information through INEC’s official portal.
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‎This will be followed by an in-person biometric capture starting August 25, 2025, at designated centers, including INEC offices and select local government areas across the country.
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‎The CVR targets new voters who will be 18 by 2027, those needing to correct voter details or replace lost cards, and individuals relocating to new polling units.
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‎To enhance accessibility, INEC plans to deploy mobile registration units to remote communities and provide special provisions for persons with disabilities.
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‎Yakubu emphasized the commission’s commitment to leveraging technology to streamline the process, reduce errors, and ensure data integrity.
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‎“Our goal is to make voter registration as seamless as possible while maintaining the credibility of the electoral roll,” he said.
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‎The announcement has been welcomed by civic groups, who see it as a proactive step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
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‎However, some stakeholders have called for increased public awareness campaigns to ensure rural dwellers and marginalized groups are not left out.
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‎INEC has assured Nigerians that adequate measures, including partnerships with local organizations, will be implemented to maximize participation.
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‎The CVR is expected to run continuously until a cutoff date closer to the 2027 elections, which INEC will announce later.
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‎The commission urged citizens to take advantage of the exercise and verify their voter status early to avoid last-minute challenges.
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‎With this initiative, INEC aims to build on lessons from previous elections to deliver a credible and inclusive electoral process in 2027.