INEC resumes final phase of voter registration May 11

The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced that the third and final phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration will commence on May 11, 2026, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued Tuesday by the Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the exercise would run until July 10, 2026, providing another window for eligible Nigerians to register.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission wishes to inform the general public that the current nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise will resume for its third and final phase on Monday, 11th May 2026,” the statement read.

INEC explained that the second phase of the exercise was suspended on April 17, 2026, to allow for data clean-up following the publication of the register for claims and objections.

“It may be recalled that the second phase of the exercise was suspended on 17th April 2026 to allow the Commission clean up the register after its publication for claims and objections by registrants,” Haruna stated.

The commission urged eligible citizens who have turned 18, as well as those who missed earlier phases, to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that provisions have been made for new registrations and updates.

“During this period, eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who were unable to register during the earlier phases, should seize this opportunity to do so,” the statement added.

INEC also advised registered voters seeking transfers, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, or correction of personal details to use its online portal or visit designated offices nationwide.

As part of the process, the commission said the voters’ register would again be displayed for public scrutiny.

“In continuation of the process, the Commission will display the Register of Voters for claims and objections from Thursday, 23rd July to Wednesday, 29th July 2026,” Haruna said, adding that the exercise would help ensure the accuracy and credibility of the register.

The commission further assured Nigerians of its readiness to conduct the exercise smoothly.

“The Commission reassures Nigerians that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise,” the statement noted.

The development follows the conclusion of the second phase of the CVR, during which INEC recorded 3,748,704 completed registrations nationwide, combining both online pre-registrations and in-person enrolments.

The electoral body said it had since shifted focus to verification processes, including the display of the register, as part of efforts to maintain a credible voter database.