By Ameh Gabriel
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that more than 505,906 Nigerians have pre-registered online for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise within just the first five days of its resumption.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday, August 22, 2025, during the official flag-off of the nationwide sensitisation campaign in Abuja. He was represented by National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu.
Yakubu described the strong response as a clear demonstration of citizens’ readiness to participate in the democratic process.
“As at midnight of Thursday, August 22, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened five days ago. This shows Nigerians believe in our democracy and the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the electoral process,” he said.
The CVR exercise commenced with online pre-registration on Monday, August 18, 2025, and will transition to its physical phase on Monday, August 25, 2025. From that date, citizens who pre-registered online, as well as new applicants, can complete their registration at INEC Local Government and State offices nationwide, where their biometrics will be captured.
As part of mobilisation efforts, INEC also launched a sensitisation roadshow in Abuja. The awareness drive, organised by the Voter Education and Publicity Department, moved from the INEC Headquarters in Maitama through Banex Plaza in Wuse, and ended at the busy Wuse Market, where officials engaged residents and distributed flyers. Similar activities will be replicated across all states of the federation.
Yakubu urged eligible Nigerians particularly youths, first-time voters, and those needing to update or transfer their records to seize the opportunity.
“Your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is the key to making your voice heard,” he stressed, calling on political parties, civil society organisations, the media and stakeholders to support the campaign.
The CVR will run across 811 centres nationwide, including all 774 Local Government offices and State offices, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
Through its dedicated portal www.cvr.inecnigeria.org citizens can pre-register, confirm their PVC status, locate registration centres, transfer their registration, request replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, and correct personal information.
INEC assured Nigerians of inclusive provisions for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Professor Yakubu appealed for collective participation, emphasizing that voter registration is a shared civic duty.
