Nigeria’s electoral body impressed with voters pre-registration exercise

Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has said, more than 505,000 Nigerians have pre-registered as voters on its online portal within just five days of reopening the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. 

According to INEC, this unprecedented response marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey, signaling an energized electorate ready to shape the nation’s political future.

The announcement, made yesterday, during the official flag-off of the nationwide CVR sensitization campaign at INEC headquarters in Abuja, was delivered by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, through National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu. The impressive turnout reflects a growing trust by Nigerians in both the democratic process and INEC’s commitment to transparent, accessible elections.

Prof. Yakubu enunciated that the online pre-registration phase, which started on August 18, 2025, will seamlessly transition into a physical registration period from August 25, 2025. During this next phase, registrants will visit local government and state INEC offices nationwide to complete biometric data capture — a critical step to ensure electoral integrity and reduce electoral fraud. Physical registration remains available for those who prefer that method.

This surge in voter engagement has been amplified by INEC’s proactive outreach efforts, including a vibrant voter education roadshow moving through key communities such as Wuse Market in Abuja, underscoring that voter registration is the gateway to meaningful participation in Nigeria’s elections. Similar grassroots sensitization activities are set to sweep across all states, aimed especially at young Nigerians who have recently attained voting age but remain unregistered.

INEC’s comprehensive CVR portal offers citizens a user-friendly platform for not only registering but also verifying Permanent Voter Card (PVC) status, requesting replacements, transferring registrations, and correcting personal information — all functions that contribute to a more inclusive and empowered electorate.

While buttressing the importance of the PVC, Prof. Yakubu passionately reminded citizens, “Your Permanent Voter Card is key to making your voice heard.” He called on political parties, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders to collaborate with INEC to sustain this wave of democratic participation.

With 811 registration centers activated nationwide and special provisions to accommodate persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, the CVR exercise underscores INEC’s commitment to a truly representative electoral process.

This record-breaking pre-registration is more than a statistic; it is a clarion call for every Nigerian to seize the democratic moment — to vote, to be heard, and to help shape the nation’s destiny.