The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will run for one year and end on August 30, 2026, in preparation for the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Monday, August 25, and signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, INEC stressed the importance of early participation.
“The exercise will continue for one year until 30th August 2026. However, the Commission urged all intending registrants not to wait until the deadline approaches when, from experience, the registration centres are inundated by eleventh hour registrants amidst appeals for extension of time.”
The Commission revealed that the online phase of the exercise, which began on August 18, has already recorded significant turnout.
Within one week, 1,379,342 Nigerians completed their pre-registration. Of this number, women accounted for 52.04 percent, men 47.96 percent, while young people between 18 and 34 years made up 62.37 percent.
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Students formed the largest occupational group with 27.15 percent, and persons with disabilities constituted 1.96 percent.
INEC said physical registration has now commenced in all 811 state and local government offices across the country, giving citizens the option of in-person registration or completion of their online applications.
While urging Nigerians to take advantage of the early window, the Commission reminded the public that only citizens aged 18 and above who are not already registered are eligible.
“Double or multiple registration is a violation of the law. However, inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT transfer of voters as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voters cards are allowed during the CVR,” the statement added.
The Commission maintained that timely registration is vital for effective planning and smooth preparation toward the 2027 elections.