INEC Announces Final Phase of Voter Registration Resuming May 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially scheduled the final phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The commission confirmed that registration will resume on May 11 and conclude on July 10, 2026.

This upcoming window is another opportunity for eligible citizens who have recently turned 18 to join the national register. It also caters to those who may have missed previous registration phases leading up to the 2027 general elections.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, May 5, this move follows the suspension of the second phase on April 17. The hiatus allowed the commission to clean up the existing voter database after a period of public claims and objections.

INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan previously noted that a credible register remains the bedrock of transparent elections. He explained that removing duplicate entries and deceased persons is vital for public trust.

Online Portal and Physical Office Access

The commission is also making efforts to streamline administrative requests through digital channels. Registered voters who need to transfer their registration or replace lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) can use the official INEC portal.

Meanwhile, physical offices nationwide will remain open for those who prefer in-person assistance. This includes citizens needing to correct personal details such as misspelled names or incorrect dates of birth on their existing records.

INEC clarified that all arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process. The commission aims to avoid the long queues and technical glitches that often characterize the final days of registration windows.

Citizens are encouraged to act early rather than waiting for the July deadline. By spreading the load over the next two months, the commission hopes to minimize the pressure on its staff and bimodal biometric systems.

Timeline for Claims and Objections

Once the registration window closes in July, the process will transition into a validation stage. The voter register will be displayed for public scrutiny between July 23 and July 29, 2026.

During this week, Nigerians can file claims regarding their own details or raise objections against the inclusion of ineligible names. This “community audit” is a legal requirement designed to sanitize the register further before final printing.

Historically, INEC registration cycles have faced challenges with underage registration and non-citizen entries. Consequently, the display period allows local communities to point out anomalies that biometric software might miss.

With the 2026 Ekiti and Osun governorship elections fast approaching, a clean register is more urgent than ever. The commission is working to ensure that every valid vote counts toward a credible outcome.

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