By GGT
The Good Governance Team (GGT), a Nigerian civil society policy advocacy and research platform dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, has called on eligible Nigerians to participate massively in the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The registration will commence on Monday, August 18, 2025, as recently announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Physical registration will follow on August 25, 2025, across all 774 local government areas and the 37 state/FCT offices.
In a statement issued by GGT’s Team Lead, Tunde Salman, the organisation emphasized that Nigeria is on the brink of another significant democratic transition, making a credible, peaceful, and inclusive electoral process more important than ever. The CVR, Salman said, offers a crucial opportunity to address systemic flaws that have undermined past elections and to ensure that every eligible Nigerian has the chance to shape the country’s future.
Persistent Electoral Challenges
Nigeria’s electoral history reflects a blend of progress and recurring setbacks. Low voter turnout, electoral violence, vote buying, and disinformation continue to weaken public trust and undermine the integrity of the democratic process.
The CVR ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to GGT, is a vital step toward overcoming these challenges. The organisation urged INEC, political parties, civil society groups, security agencies, the media, and citizens to work together to boost voter participation and protect the integrity of the process.
Key Areas of Concern
- Low Political Awareness: Millions of Nigerians—especially youths and marginalized groups remain unaware of the importance of voter registration or believe their participation will make no difference. GGT called for sustained grassroots voter education through traditional institutions, religious bodies, NGOs, and the media.
- Security Risks: Insecurity in parts of the North-East, North-West, and South-East continues to deter citizens from registering or voting. GGT urged INEC and security agencies to develop coordinated strategies to protect voters, electoral officials, and facilities.
- INEC’s Technical Capacity: Past elections have been marred by faulty biometric systems, long queues, poor data management, and delayed material delivery. GGT stressed the need for robust technology, adequate personnel, and expanded infrastructure to handle an estimated 4.5 million new voters annually.
The group commended INEC’s online pre-registration portal and the soon-to-be-launched CVR Live Locator (going live August 17, 2025), describing them as positive innovations that must be supported by improved internet infrastructure and digital literacy campaigns, particularly for rural communities.
Call to Action
“The success of the 2027 elections depends not just on INEC but on the collective will of all Nigerians,” Salman said. “It begins with getting registered, continues with active engagement, and culminates in peaceful, credible elections.”
GGT urged Nigerians to seize the CVR window starting August 18, 2025, describing it as a chance for civic renewal and a turning point in the country’s democratic journey.
A credible, inclusive, and peaceful 2027 general election is possible if we all take responsibility.
