INEC Commences Second Phase of Continuous Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 General Elections

INEC Resumes Voter Registration Nationwide

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria has officially commenced the second phase of its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This crucial step, which began on January 5, 2026, is part of the commission's extensive preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The resumption follows the conclusion of the first phase of the CVR, which officially ended on December 10, 2025. During the interim period, from December 15 to 21, 2025, INEC conducted the statutory display of the preliminary voters' register for claims and objections, in accordance with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Objectives and Target Audience

This second phase of the CVR is designed to accommodate eligible Nigerians who were unable to participate in the initial registration period. It also provides an opportunity for registered voters to:

• Update their personal details.
• Transfer their polling units to new locations.

Particular emphasis is placed on capturing youths who have recently attained the age of 18, the constitutionally approved voting age. The registration process involves both online pre-registration and subsequent physical biometric capture at designated INEC Area Offices and other centers across the country. Registration centers operate daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, excluding weekends and public holidays.

First Phase Statistics and Leadership

During the first phase of the CVR, which launched with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, and physical registration on August 25, 2025, over 9.8 million Nigerians initiated the online process. However, as of November 28, 2025, only approximately 2.57 million registrations were fully completed nationwide. This figure comprised about 1.5 million online completions and 1.06 million physical registrations.

The current Chairman of INEC, Professor Joash O. Amupitan, SAN, was confirmed by the Nigerian Senate on October 17, 2025. He has reaffirmed the commission's commitment to delivering free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

Warnings and Regional Suspensions

INEC has issued a stern warning against multiple registrations, stating that individuals found engaging in such acts will face legal sanctions. The commission has mechanisms in place to detect offenders and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

It is important to note that CVR activities remain temporarily suspended in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to ongoing electoral activities in these locations. New dates for the resumption of registration in these areas will be announced by INEC in due course.