Abuja, January 5, 2026 – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially resumed the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, marking the commencement of its second phase. The resumption took effect on Monday, January 5, 2026, allowing eligible Nigerians to register as new voters, transfer their voting locations, update personal details, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The development was confirmed by Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, who affirmed the accuracy of the information when contacted by journalists. This follows the successful conclusion of the first phase, which formally ended on December 10, 2025, after running from August 2025.
INEC introduced technological innovations for this CVR cycle to enhance accessibility and efficiency. Online pre-registration began on August 18, 2025, via the commission's dedicated portal, while physical (in-person) registration commenced on August 25, 2025, at designated centres across all 774 local government areas, state offices, and initially the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to data released by INEC in December 2025, a total of 9,891,801 Nigerians initiated the online pre-registration process during the first phase. Of these, 2,572,054 registrations were fully completed as of November 28, 2025. This breakdown includes 1,503,832 completions through the online platform and 1,068,222 via physical enrolment at centres nationwide.
The interval between the two phases was dedicated to mandatory statutory processes outlined in the Electoral Act 2022. Specifically, under Section 19, INEC conducted the display of the preliminary register of voters for claims and objections from December 15 to 21, 2025. This exercise took place at local government area offices where the CVR had been conducted, allowing citizens to verify details, report errors or omissions, and object to the inclusion of ineligible persons, such as underage individuals, foreigners, or deceased names.
INEC has urged all eligible citizens—particularly those who turned 18 after previous registrations, relocated, or need to update information—to seize the opportunity presented by the second phase. The commission also encouraged participants from the first phase to continue monitoring the register for accuracy. Public participation in claims and objections remains crucial for maintaining the integrity and credibility of the voter roll, a cornerstone of Nigeria's democratic process.
However, the CVR remains suspended in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory due to ongoing electoral activities, including recent governorship and area council preparations. INEC stated that separate resumption dates for these locations will be announced in due course to avoid interference with current operations.
This resumption aligns with INEC's broader timetable for 2025-2026 elections, which includes key polls such as area council elections in the FCT (February 2026), governorship races in Ekiti (June 2026) and Osun (August 2026). The continuous registration exercise is designed to ensure an inclusive and up-to-date voter register ahead of these contests.
State-level reports highlight varying participation in the first phase. For instance, Akwa Ibom recorded 76,534 new registrations, Kano State added 159,669 eligible voters, and Ogun State saw 85,739 completions. Nationwide, youth (aged 18-34) dominated early online pre-registrations, reflecting growing civic engagement among younger demographics.
INEC's adoption of hybrid online and physical methods aims to address past challenges like accessibility in remote areas and long queues. The online portal allows applicants to schedule appointments for biometric capture at physical centres, reducing wait times and improving data accuracy.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the CVR underscores INEC's commitment to transparency and inclusivity. Eligible voters are advised to visit the official INEC website or designated centres for guidance. The commission continues to emphasise that a credible voter register is essential for free, fair, and credible elections.
This second phase is expected to run concurrently online and in-person until further notice, with INEC monitoring progress and addressing any logistical issues promptly.
