The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded an impressive turnout in the first phase of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), with over 505,906 Nigerians completing their online pre-registration within just five days.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja during the official flag-off of the nationwide sensitisation campaign for the CVR.
Yakubu, who was represented by National Commissioner Mrs. May Agbamuche-Mbu, said the figure reflects Nigerians’ eagerness to participate in the democratic process.
“As at midnight of Thursday, August 22, more than 505,906 citizens had pre-registered on the portal since it opened on Monday. For us, this is a strong indication that Nigerians believe in our democracy and the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the electoral process,” Yakubu said.
According to him, while the online registration began on August 18, the physical phase of the exercise would commence on Monday, August 25, at INEC offices across the 774 local governments and state headquarters nationwide.
At this stage, biometrics will be captured for those who pre-registered and new applicants.
As part of efforts to drive participation, the Commission launched a sensitisation roadshow in Abuja on Friday.
The colourful rally, organised by INEC’s Voter Education and Publicity Department, moved from the headquarters in Maitama to Banex Plaza and later to the bustling Wuse Market, distributing flyers and engaging residents. Similar awareness campaigns, Yakubu said, will hold across the 36 states and the FCT.
Yakubu urged Nigerians, particularly youths who have just attained the voting age of 18, as well as those who wish to transfer, update or replace their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to take advantage of the exercise.
“Your PVC is the key to making your voice heard,” he said, while calling on political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and other stakeholders to support the sensitisation efforts.
The Commission noted that the CVR will be conducted at 811 centres nationwide between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays.
Through its dedicated portal (www.cvr.inecnigeria.org), citizens can pre-register, confirm voter status, locate registration centres, and apply for transfer or replacement of PVCs.
INEC also assured that special provisions had been made to ensure accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable groups.
Yakubu appealed for collective ownership of the process, stressing that voter registration remains a shared responsibility between the Commission and citizens.
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