The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos has announced plans to take its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) from Local Government Area offices to wards on a rotational basis, aiming to reduce voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Ayobami Salami, outlined the objectives of the second phase of the CVR. “The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is one of INEC’s most critical statutory responsibilities. It enables eligible Nigerians to register to vote, transfer registrations, correct personal details, and replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards,” he said.
During the first phase, Lagos recorded 139,251 registrations, including 126,668 new registrants, with females accounting for 54% and youths aged 18–39 representing 65% of the new registrations. The second phase will run for 50 days, from February 2 to April 10, 2026, with registration activities rotating across all Local Government Areas before concluding at LGA offices from April 11–17.
Salami emphasized that INEC has strengthened logistics, deployed trained personnel, and upgraded technology to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Political parties, civil society organisations, community leaders, and religious institutions are encouraged to mobilize eligible voters and support compliance with guidelines.
“The success of this process relies heavily on stakeholders’ cooperation. Voter registration is not merely a civic duty; it is the foundation of democratic representation and accountable governance,” Salami noted. He reassured that INEC remains committed to conducting a credible, inclusive, and transparent CVR exercise, aimed at expanding access and preventing disenfranchisement.
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