The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise in Akwa Ibom State ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the online phase scheduled to begin on August 18, 2025.
Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Obo Effanga, disclosed this during his maiden press briefing held at the INEC State Headquarters in Uyo.
Mr Effanga stated that, following the online registration window, a physical (walk-in) registration will commence across all INEC local government offices in the state starting August 25.
The INEC REC explained that the online platform affords eligible voters from 18 years to initiate the registration process from the comfort of their homes, while the final stage capturing of fingerprints and photographs, must be completed in person at designated INEC offices.
“In the next couple of weeks, INEC will resume the process of Continuous Voter Registration. Beginning August 18, Nigerians can initiate their registration online, and from August 25, the physical registration will commence at our local government offices,” Mr Effanga stated.
He reiterated that the process mirrors the system used prior to the 2023 elections, where the public could register online and complete their biometric capturing in person.
Mr Effanga further explained that the CVR would also accommodate those who wish to make corrections on their voter cards, such as name spelling errors, address changes, and transfers from one polling unit to another. He urged the public to take advantage of the digital tools provided by INEC to streamline their updates.
“For those who didn’t collect their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, earlier or wish to make adjustments to their voter details, this is another opportunity,” the REC said. “You can even do transfers or corrections online. But to complete new registrations, you will still need to appear physically for biometric capture.”
He also issued a stern warning against multiple registrations, clarifying that any attempt to register more than once could result in invalidation of the voter’s data. In cases of lost cards, he advised individuals to approach INEC offices for reprints rather than initiating new registrations.
The voter registration exercise is a crucial part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 elections, and Effanga called on all eligible citizens in Akwa Ibom to participate actively and responsibly in the process.
Source: IKECHUKWU AGBAMEGBUE, FRCN UYO
