The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on August 18, 2025, for the 2027 Nigerian general elections. Online pre-registration started first, with physical registration at 811 INEC offices across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory from August 25, 2025, open 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The CVR will continue until August 30, 2026, under the Electoral Act 2022 and the 1999 Constitution.
Registration Stats
By August 2025, over 2.5 million Nigerians pre-registered online: 51.88% female, 48.12% male, 63.29% aged 18-34, 25.57% students, and 1.96% persons with disabilities. In the first five days of physical registration, 72,274 completed the process. Osun led online pre-registrations (393,823), followed by Lagos (222,205) and Ogun (132,823).
Who Can Register?
Eligible Nigerians aged 18+ who are not yet registered, need to transfer their voter registration, replace lost/damaged Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), or update details (e.g., name, address) can participate. You must be a Nigerian citizen, provide ID (e.g., NIN, birth certificate), and live/work in the registration area. Proxy registration is not allowed.
How to Register
- Online Pre-Registration: Visit www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, create an account, activate via email, fill in details (name, date of birth, NIN, etc.), upload two passport photos, and book a biometric appointment (August 25–December 10, 2025). Use the CVR Live Locator to find centres.
- Physical Registration: Visit an INEC office with ID for biometric capture (fingerprints, facial scan). You’ll get a temporary slip; PVCs are ready in 1-3 months for collection with the slip (no proxies).
- Transfers/Updates/Replacements: Apply online or in-person, provide old details, and complete biometrics. Upload supporting documents for updates (e.g., affidavits).
Legal Warnings
Violations under the Electoral Act 2022 carry penalties:
- Multiple/underage/proxy registration: ₦100,000 fine, 1-year jail, or both.
- Illegal PVC possession/selling: ₦1,000,000 fine, 12 months jail, or both.
- Impersonation/vote buying: ₦100,000–₦500,000 fine, 6-12 months jail, or both.
- Material snatching: 24 months jail.
- Disorderly conduct: ₦500,000 fine, 12 months jail, or both.
INEC uses biometrics to detect fraud. The current voter roll exceeds 93 million across 176,846 polling units. With low turnout (27%) in 2023, INEC and groups like the Christian Association of Nigeria urge greater participation, especially among youths and rural communities. Check PVC status and centre locations at www.cvr.inecnigeria.org. Complete biometrics early to avoid last-minute crowds.
