The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on August 18, 2025, marking a significant step in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The announcement was made on Friday via the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle. The exercise is intended to enable eligible Nigerians—especially first-time voters, those who have relocated, and individuals with lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)—to register or update their voter information.
INEC disclosed that the CVR process will begin with online pre-registration on August 18, followed by in-person registration at designated centers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory starting on August 25.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, reiterated the Commission’s commitment to inclusive voter participation during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu. He emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, especially in mobilizing voters for the upcoming Anambra Governorship Election scheduled for November 8, 2025, and the 2027 polls.
“As Nigeria’s national election management body, our responsibilities are multi-stakeholder and inter-agency in nature. To succeed, we must collaborate with every relevant national institution—NOA being a critical partner,” Yakubu said.
He also noted that INEC is exploring new areas of collaboration, particularly through its Voter Education and Publicity Department and the newly established Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division under its ICT Department.
“While INEC continues its voter education initiatives, we believe the NOA, in partnership with political parties, civil society organisations, and the media, can drive grassroots voter mobilisation—especially among underrepresented groups like youths, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs),” he added.
Yakubu confirmed NOA’s inclusion in the expanded Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) and reaffirmed the Commission’s efforts to reinvigorate the National Inter-Agency Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP), in which NOA will play a prominent role.
In his remarks, NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu expressed the agency’s readiness to support INEC’s efforts. He stated that part of NOA’s mandate is to educate citizens on civic responsibilities and promote active participation in democratic processes.
Issa-Onilu emphasized the importance of fostering patriotism through good governance, noting that citizens are more likely to engage meaningfully in national development when they feel valued and included.
“Patriotism cannot be enforced or legislated—it must be inspired. Government actions must be attractive and resonate with the people, and when properly communicated, they can build trust and national unity,” he said.
He added that effective public communication of government activities could enhance civic engagement and support institutions like INEC in their mandate to strengthen democracy.
