The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, rejecting calls for an extension and insisting the deadline complies with the Electoral Act 2022, despite growing concerns from political parties, civil society organisations and election stakeholders.
The commission maintained that the registration exercise ended as scheduled on Sunday, stressing that voter registration must close at least 90 days before an election to allow for data verification, production of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and other logistical preparations for the 2027 general election.
While urging eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the final hours before the exercise ended, INEC reiterated through its official X handle that the timeline was fixed in line with statutory requirements and would not be extended.
The closure has, however, sparked mixed reactions. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticised the decision, arguing that voter registration should remain a continuous exercise without deadlines. The Social Democratic Party (SDP), on the other hand, agreed that INEC needed to suspend registration for election preparations but maintained that the process should reopen after the compilation of the register.
Many prospective voters also expressed frustration over unresolved technical glitches on INEC’s online registration portal, malfunctioning biometric machines, overcrowded registration centres, poor internet connectivity and long waiting hours, with several applicants saying they were unable to complete their registration before the deadline despite repeated attempts.
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) called on INEC to extend the exercise, citing a 2022 Federal High Court judgment which held that voter registration should continue until at least 90 days before a general election to protect eligible Nigerians’ constitutional voting rights. The coalition warned that ending the exercise prematurely could disenfranchise millions of citizens, particularly first-time voters, displaced persons and Nigerians facing logistical challenges.
Similarly, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) faulted the closure, warning that thousands of young Nigerians who will attain the age of 18 before the 2027 elections risk being excluded from participating in the polls.
Former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria, Osita Okechukwu, urged INEC to prioritise the conduct of free, fair and credible elections, arguing that transparent elections would encourage political parties to strengthen internal democracy.
Ahead of the August 15 Osun State governorship election, APC chieftain Olatunbosun Oyintiloye also appealed to INEC to simplify the process for collecting Permanent Voter Cards, citing difficulties experienced by voters at collection centres.
Meanwhile, the PVC distribution exercise in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State, was disrupted after armed hoodlums reportedly invaded an INEC distribution centre, fired gunshots into the air and carted away several packs of voter cards. The Osun State Police Command confirmed the incident and announced that an investigation had commenced.
Election stakeholders also linked Nigeria’s low voter turnout to growing public distrust in the electoral process, calling for reforms that would restore confidence and encourage greater participation in future elections.
