The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on August 18, 2025, starting with online pre-registration. This initiative is a major step in preparation for the 2027 general elections and aims to capture new voters and update existing records across Nigeria.
INEC confirmed via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle that the CVR will take place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The exercise targets first-time voters, individuals who have changed their residential locations, and those who have lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). In-person registration will follow on August 25, 2025.
Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a strategic visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), emphasized the Commission’s commitment to strengthening partnerships for voter education and mobilisation. He announced that INEC will collaborate with NOA to boost civic awareness ahead of both the voter registration and the Anambra Governorship Election slated for November 8, 2025.
Yakubu noted that INEC’s success relies on multi-stakeholder collaboration, highlighting the newly created Artificial Intelligence Division within its ICT department as part of its modernization efforts. The Commission aims to deepen cooperation with the NOA, political parties, civil society groups, and media organizations to ensure widespread voter participation—especially among youths, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of NOA, emphasized that civic awareness and national unity are built through informed engagement, not legislation. He stressed that patriotism must be motivated by transparent governance and effective communication of government initiatives.
INEC has also integrated NOA into the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and plans to revamp the National Inter-Agency Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP) to support these efforts.
As Nigeria prepares for critical elections, both agencies are intensifying strategies to mobilize citizens and increase electoral participation across all demographics.
