The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday announced that over 500,000 Nigerians have completed their online pre-registration for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on the portal of the commission within just five days of its re-launch.
The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this disclosure today in Abuja, during the official flag-off of INEC’s nationwide sensitisation campaign aimed at boosting public participation in the voter registration process.
Yakubu, who was represented at the sensitization campaign programme by National Commissioner, Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, described the turnout as a strong indication that Nigerians remain eager to participate in the democratic process.
“As of midnight on Thursday, 22nd of August, 2025, over 505,906 citizens have pre-registered since the portal opened five days ago.
“For us, this is a testament that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the efforts of the commission to further strengthen the electoral process,” he said, just as he also announced that the CVR exercise, which began with online pre-registration on Monday, August 18, 2025, will enter its physical phase on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Yakubu added that from that date, both those who pre-registered online and new applicants can complete their registration at INEC Local Government and State Offices nationwide, where their biometrics will be captured.
The commission boss also charged all eligible Nigerians—especially young people, newly eligible voters, and those needing to update or transfer their voter information—to take full advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise.
“Your Permanent Voter Card is the key to making your voice heard,” he emphasised, urging political parties, civil society groups, the media, and other stakeholders to support the commission in raising public awareness.
The exercise will be conducted at 811 centres across the country, including all 774 Local Government Area offices and State offices. Registration will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday.
As part of measures to encourage public participation, INEC launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign, highlighting that voter registration is essential for effective participation in elections.
The campaign featured a vibrant roadshow organised by the Voter Education and Publicity Department, starting from INEC Headquarters in Maitama and moving through Banex Plaza in Wuse to the busy Wuse Market. Similar awareness events will take place in other states across the country.
