INEC Voter Registration Kicks Off: Over 69,000 Nigerians Register Online in First 7 Hours
ABUJA – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported an impressive start to the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with 69,376 Nigerians completing their online pre-registration within the first seven hours of the portal reopening on Monday.
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The online registration portal went live at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, marking the official commencement of the CVR process ahead of future elections. The significant initial turnout, particularly among the nation’s youth, signals a high level of public interest in participating in the democratic process.
In a statement released in Abuja, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed the early figures. “The portal went live at 8.30 a.m., and by 3.30 p.m., 69,376 Nigerians had already pre-registered online,” he said.
Youth and Women Lead the Charge in Early Turnout
A detailed breakdown of the initial registration data reveals a powerful trend of engagement among young people and women. Of the 69,376 completed registrations, an overwhelming 48,033 registrants—representing 69.2% of the total—are young persons between the ages of 18 and 34. This strong showing from Nigeria’s largest demographic highlights a growing political consciousness and a desire among the youth to have their voices heard.
Furthermore, the data shows that more women than men completed the pre-registration process in the opening hours. A total of 35,573 women (51.3%) registered, compared to 33,803 men (48.7%). This indicates a strong civic interest among female citizens and underscores the importance of their participation in the electoral system.
How the Hybrid Registration Process Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
To make the process more efficient and accessible, INEC has adopted a hybrid model that combines online pre-registration with a mandatory in-person visit for biometric data capture. The online portal is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Here is a simple guide for new voters to get their Permanent Voter Card (PVC):
Step 1: Online Pre-Registration
Visit the official INEC CVR portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.
Create a personal account using a valid email address and a phone number.
Log in and fill out the online form with your personal details, such as your full name, date of birth, gender, occupation, and residential address.
Upload a recent, clear passport-style photograph of yourself.
Step 2: Book Your Biometric Appointment
After successfully filling out the form, you will be required to book an appointment at the nearest INEC registration centre for your biometric capture. You can choose a date and time that is convenient for you.
Step 3: In-Person Biometric Capture
On Monday, August 25, 2025, INEC will commence physical, in-person registration at its 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide. This will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Friday).
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On your scheduled appointment date, visit your chosen INEC centre. An INEC official will capture your fingerprints and take your facial photograph. This step is mandatory and completes your registration.
Step 4: Collect Your Voter’s Card
Once your biometrics are captured, INEC will issue you a Temporary Voter Card (TVC) as proof of registration.
INEC will announce at a later date when the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are ready for collection. You will then exchange your TVC for the official PVC, which you will use to vote in elections.
Important Rules to Avoid Disqualification: Who Should Register?
INEC has strongly emphasized that this CVR exercise is strictly for specific categories of citizens.
New Voters: The exercise is only for Nigerian citizens who are 18 years of age or older and have never registered to vote before.
Double Registration is Illegal: The commission warned that it is a criminal offense to register more than once. All new registrations will be checked against the existing voter database, and any duplicate entries will be removed and may lead to prosecution.
For Nigerians who are already registered voters but need other services, the portal can be used for:
Voter Transfer: If you have moved to a different state, local government, or ward, you can apply for a transfer of your registration.
Replacement of PVC: If your PVC is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can apply for a replacement.
Correction of Information: You can also apply to correct errors in your personal details on the voter register.
INEC has reiterated that PVCs do not expire, so those who already have a card do not need to register again.
INEC Pledges Transparency with Weekly Updates
To keep the public fully informed, INEC has announced that it will begin issuing detailed weekly updates on the CVR exercise starting next week. These updates will provide a comprehensive breakdown of new registrants by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability, ensuring a transparent and accountable process. The strong initial response suggests a promising start to the crucial task of updating the national voter register.
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