The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that at least 69,376 Nigerians pre-registered online on the first day of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which commenced on Monday, August 18, 2025.
According to INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the registration portal went live at 8:30 a.m., and by 3:30 p.m., the figure had been recorded.
Of the total, 35,573 (51.3%) were female, while 33,803 (48.7%) were male. In terms of age distribution, 48,033 (69.2%) were young persons aged 18–34.
Olumekun noted that the in-person registration option will commence on Monday, August 25, 2025, at INEC’s 811 state and local government offices nationwide, operating from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays. This will allow online pre-registrants to complete their applications while also accommodating new registrants.
“From next week, the Commission will be giving weekly updates on the CVR, including a detailed breakdown by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability,” Olumekun said.
He further emphasized that voter registration is only open to Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who are not already registered. While double or multiple registrations remain illegal, inter- and intra-state transfers and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs are permitted during the CVR.
The Commission’s registration portal remains accessible 24/7 at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.
Reports from States
Akwa Ibom: Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Obo Effanga, confirmed smooth online registration, adding that physical registration will begin on August 25 across the 31 LGAs and the state headquarters in Uyo.
Rivers: INEC spokesperson Geraldine Ekelemu said a “good number of eligible voters” had already registered online ahead of physical capturing.
Edo: INEC spokesperson Toyin Olayiwola confirmed a smooth take-off of the exercise, urging residents to seize the opportunity.
Borno: Due to insecurity, voter registration will not hold in Abadam, Guzamala, Kala Balge, and Marte LGAs. REC Abubakar Ma’aji said residents of the affected areas must travel to Maiduguri for in-person registration.
Bauchi: INEC spokesperson Aliyu Shaba described the process as hitch-free and encouraged youths to take advantage of the exercise.
Bayelsa: Head of Voter Education, Awajionyi Utong, explained that online registration is fully managed from Abuja, stressing that registrants must still appear physically to finalize their details.
Kwara: Residents confirmed participation in the online registration. INEC spokesperson Halilu Ibrahim expressed optimism about turnout, while the PDP in the state pledged to mobilize members to register.
Plateau: REC Mohammed Abubakar said online registration began smoothly and that physical registration will start on August 25 across all 17 LGAs.
Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Register
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take the exercise seriously, describing the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as a “weapon of change.”
In a statement, Obi said:
“Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon of the poor for a better life, against injustice and bad leadership. Those who buy votes are not leaders but criminals in disguise. Do not sell your future.”
He called on citizens to register, collect their PVCs, and vote wisely in 2027.
