The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially resumed its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, marking the start of the second phase of the process. The commission confirmed the resumption on Monday, January 5, 2026, through its Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, who affirmed that the information was accurate.
This new phase follows the conclusion of the first round, which officially ended on December 10, 2025. During the initial phase, Nigerians had the opportunity to pre-register online, beginning August 18, 2025, before physical registration commenced at designated centres nationwide on August 25. The online pre-registration initiative proved popular, with INEC reporting that nearly 9.9 million Nigerians initiated the process. Out of this, just over 2.5 million registrations were fully completed, combining online and physical enrolments.
The interval between the two phases was used to carry out statutory activities required by law, including the display of the voters’ register for claims and objections. This allowed citizens to verify their information and raise concerns over any discrepancies. The display ran from December 15 to 21, 2025, at local government offices across the country, ensuring transparency and giving citizens the chance to correct errors or challenge the inclusion of ineligible or deceased persons.
As the second phase begins, INEC is urging all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of this opportunity. The commission has highlighted that citizens can enrol for the first time, update personal details, or transfer voting locations if they have moved. It also calls on those who participated in the first phase to double-check their records and ensure accuracy. This is a critical step toward ensuring a comprehensive and accurate voters’ register ahead of upcoming elections.
However, the commission noted that CVR activities remain suspended in Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) due to ongoing electoral activities. INEC assures the public that new dates for resumption in these locations will be announced in due course.
The resumption of voter registration is a vital opportunity for Nigerians to actively participate in shaping the democratic future of the country. By ensuring that every eligible citizen is registered and that the voters’ register is accurate, INEC hopes to strengthen public trust in the electoral system and prepare the nation for free, fair, and credible elections.
For citizens, this is more than a bureaucratic exercise; it is a chance to secure their voices in the democratic process. INEC’s call to action reminds every eligible Nigerian that participation is both a right and a responsibility—one that directly influences the future of governance, development, and national progress.
