2027: INEC announces date for nationwide voter’s registration; warns Nigerians against underage and multiple registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will begin on Monday, 18th of August 2025.

According to the commission, online pre-registration will commence first via the official portal (cvr.inecnigeria.org), while physical registration across all states and the FCT will follow on Monday, August 25.

The in-person exercise will hold Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in INEC offices and designated centres.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, issued a strong warning against underage and multiple registrations.

He emphasized that only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above are eligible to register and vote.

Violations such as registering more than once or attempting to register underage are punishable under the Electoral Act 2022 with fines up to ₦100,000, one-year imprisonment, or both. Yakubu noted that the commission has upgraded its registration systems to detect and prevent such infractions.

Furthermore, the commission reminded citizens that all registration services are entirely free. Nigerians are advised not to pay anyone for voter registration and to report any cases of extortion.

INEC also urged those who have registered before not to attempt fresh registration but instead apply for updates or transfers through the appropriate channels. The exercise is part of preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.