By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
In a vibrant display of civic engagement, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) launched its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on Monday, August 18, 2025, with a staggering 69,376 Nigerians pre-registering online within the first seven hours.
The online portal, accessible at cvr.inecnigeria.org, went live at 8:30 AM, and by 3:30 PM, it had already recorded significant participation, reflecting a strong enthusiasm for the democratic process.
According to INEC, the initial figures reveal a near gender-balanced turnout, with 33,803 males (48.7%) and 35,573 females (51.3%) completing their pre-registration.
Young Nigerians are leading the charge, with 48,033 registrants (69.2%) aged 18–34, underscoring the pivotal role of youth in shaping the nation’s future.
“This overwhelming response in just seven hours demonstrates the eagerness of Nigerians, especially our youth, to participate in the electoral process,” said INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.
Mr. Olumekun said the online pre-registration is just the first phase of the CVR.
Starting Monday, August 25, 2025, INEC will roll out in-person registration at its 811 State and Local Government offices across the country, operating from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays. This dual approach allows flexibility for citizens, enabling online pre-registrants to finalize their registration in person while offering an alternative for those preferring direct engagement.
“The simultaneous online and in-person options ensure that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to register conveniently,” Olumekun added.
INEC emphasized that voter registration is exclusively for Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who have not previously registered.
The Commission warned that double or multiple registrations are illegal, but provisions are in place for inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT voter transfers, as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards during the CVR period.
To keep the public informed, INEC said it will provide weekly updates starting next week, offering detailed breakdowns by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability.
“Our commitment is to transparency and accessibility, ensuring Nigerians are empowered to exercise their democratic rights,” Olumekun stated.
As the nation gears up for upcoming elections, the early success of the CVR signals a promising wave of civic participation, with Nigerians seizing the chance to shape their country’s future.
The online portal remains open 24/7, inviting more citizens to join the democratic process at cvr.inecnigeria.org.
