By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 69,376 Nigerians pre-registered online within the first seven hours of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on Monday.
Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, disclosed this in a statement, describing the early surge as encouraging for the electoral process.
According to him, the registration portal went live at 8:30 a.m. and by 3:30 p.m. had recorded 33,803 male applicants, representing 48.7 percent, and 35,573 female applicants, representing 51.3 percent. Young people between the ages of 18 and 34 dominated the figures, accounting for 48,033 or 69.2 percent of registrants.
“The portal is available 24 hours every day of the week at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org,” Olumekun stated, urging eligible citizens to take advantage of the platform.
He added that in-person registration will begin on Monday, 25th August 2025, across 811 state and local government offices nationwide. The physical exercise will hold on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“This will enable those who prefer the in-person option to register and also allow online pre-registrants to complete their registration. Both options will run simultaneously throughout the CVR period,” the statement read.
INEC also announced that it will release weekly updates on the CVR, including a breakdown of registrants by state, gender, age, occupation and disability.
The Commission reminded the public that only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who are not already registered are eligible to sign up. It cautioned against double or multiple registration, describing it as a violation of the law. However, inter-state and intra-state transfer of registration, as well as replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, will be permitted.
Analysts say the impressive early turnout reflects growing voter interest ahead of the 2027 general elections, with youth participation particularly significant. Civil society groups have consistently called on young Nigerians to take advantage of the CVR to ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box.
INEC assured that it is fully prepared to manage both online and physical registration, while urging citizens to register responsibly.
“If you are a Nigerian citizen, 18 years or older, and not yet on the register, this is your chance. Get registered once and let your vote count,” Olumekun said.
