INEC begins nationwide voter registration August 18

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the commencement of the 2025 nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with online pre-registration set to open on Monday, August 18, 2025. This crucial step is part of INEC’s preparations for upcoming elections, including the Anambra State governorship election slated for November 8, 2025, and the broader 2027 general elections.

According to a statement released by the Commission via its official X handle on Friday, August 1, 2025, eligible citizens can begin their registration process online through the official INEC portal: cvr.inecnigeria.org. This digital phase aims to streamline the process and enhance accessibility for prospective voters.

Following the online pre-registration, in-person registration will commence on Monday, August 25, 2025. This physical enrolment will take place at all INEC Local Government Area offices and other designated registration centres across the country. The exercise is scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.

INEC has urged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take full advantage of this opportunity. The CVR process is designed to cater to various categories of voters, including:

• Nigerians who have recently attained 18 years of age.
• Those who were unable to register in previous exercises.
• Voters requesting a transfer of their registration from one location to another.
• Individuals seeking a replacement for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
• Those who need to correct personal information on their voter details, such as names or dates of birth.

The INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a courtesy visit by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) management team to the INEC headquarters in Abuja, emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. He highlighted the critical role of voter education and public enlightenment in the success of the exercise.

The Commission underscored that all services provided during the CVR process are free of charge and urged the public to report any official who demands payment. This nationwide CVR aims to update the national register of voters and ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their fundamental civic right in the forthcoming elections.