Isaac Samuel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said 505,906 citizens have pre-registered online for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise within just five days.
INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the official flag-off of the commission’s nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at boosting public participation in the voter registration process
Yakubu who was represented by National Commissioner,. May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the turnout as a strong indication that Nigerians remain eager to participate in the democratic process.
“The commission is impressed by the response of Nigerians who visited the online platform to pre-register.
“As at midnight of Aug. 22, 505,906 citizens have pre-registered.
“This is a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the effort of the commission to further strengthen the electoral process,” Yakubu said.
To further mobilise the public, the Commission launched a vibrant roadshow that kicked off at INEC Headquarters in Maitama, passed through Banex Plaza in Wuse, and terminated at the bustling Wuse Market. Similar campaigns will be held in states nationwide.
Yakubu said the CVR, which commenced with the online phase on August 18, 2025, will transition to the physical registration stage on Monday, August 25, 2025.
He said at that stage, both online pre-registrants and new applicants can complete their registration at designated INEC State and Local Government Area offices, where their biometrics will be captured.
He urged all eligible Nigerians particularly first-time voters, youths, and those needing to update or transfer their voter information seize the opportunity to register.
The physical CVR will take place at 811 centres across the country, including all 774 Local Government Area offices and State offices, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Also speaking, the Director Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, expressed the commission’s readiness for the in-person registration across its offices nationwide.
“Our offices are ready; we have been planning before now, which is why we took a week between pre-registration and in-persons registration commencement.
“So, everything is on course. From Aug. 25 people will be attended to in our offices nationwide, 36 states and the FCT, and the 774 LGA offices of INEC from 9am to 3pm,’’ she said.
Eta-Messi advised citizens who had registered before not to register again, saying double registration amounted to electoral offence with consequences.
She also advised those currently below 18 not to register until they attain the permitted age for registration.
“This first phase is going to run up till Dec. 10. After that there will be a break, then in January 2026 we resume again.
“So, we have three phases till Aug. 30, 2026. So if they are not 18 now by Aug. 30, 2026 they will be 18 and they can take advantage of the exercise before we close,’’ she said.
