BREAKING: INEC to Begin Nationwide Voter Registration August 18 Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced that the much-anticipated Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will commence nationwide on August 18, 2025, as preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gather steam.

This development, confirmed by INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, marks the first major electoral rollout since the last general elections and signals the commission's readiness to uphold voter access, credibility, and participation across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to INEC, the CVR will kick off in two distinct phases. The first phase begins Monday, August 18, with online pre-registration through the official INEC portal. From Monday, August 25, the second phase—physical in-person registration—will be activated at INEC local government area offices, registration centers, and specially designated outreach points, running weekdays from 9am to 3pm.

This registration drive is open to:

New voters who have turned 18 years or older since the last election.

Citizens who were unable to register previously due to relocation, health reasons, or other obstacles.

Voters seeking to transfer their polling units, correct personal information, or replace lost or damaged PVCs.

In a clear message to the public, INEC reiterated that all CVR services are completely free. The commission urged Nigerians to report any officials or intermediaries who attempt to charge fees, warning that such actions are illegal and will attract stiff penalties.

Significantly, INEC also confirmed that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) will not be left behind. The commission has developed a strategic framework to ensure that IDPs—particularly in conflict-affected regions—can register and vote in the 2027 elections without restriction.

This nationwide CVR exercise comes as Nigeria prepares for what many political analysts predict will be a fiercely contested 2027 general election. With rising political awareness among youths and continued calls for electoral reforms, the registration process is expected to see high turnout across urban and rural areas.

INEC’s Chairman, Professor Yakubu, called on stakeholders—civil society groups, political parties, religious leaders, and traditional institutions—to mobilize their communities to participate actively in the process. “A credible election begins with a credible voter register,” he emphasized.

The commission has also pledged to deploy updated technology and biometric verification tools during the registration to ensure accuracy, prevent double registration, and reduce the incidence of ghost voters.

With the countdown to 2027 now officially underway, Nigerians have been handed the first real opportunity to shape the electoral future of the country. Citizens are advised to visit the official INEC website, complete their online registration when the portal goes live, and then appear at their designated centers to finalize the process.

As the clock ticks, INEC’s message is loud and clear: If you want to vote in 2027, your journey begins on August 18, 2025.

Stay locked on Busterblog.com for step-by-step guides on how to register, PVC collection updates, INEC portal access, and real-time coverage from CVR centers across Nigeria.