…to resume nationwide CVR exercise
As preparations intensify for the nationwide resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the high number of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State, totalling 295,856.
INEC, on Monday, announced that the CVR exercise would commence on August 12, 2025, in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The exercise, which begins with online pre-registration via the INEC website, is aimed at capturing new voters who have turned 18 and others who were previously unable to register.
Speaking during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the media at INEC’s state headquarters in Akure, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, described the situation as alarming.
She called on the media, political parties, civil society organisations, and traditional rulers to support efforts to improve PVC collection.
According to Babalola, out of 2,053,061 registered voters in the state, only 1,757,205 have collected their PVCs, leaving 295,856 uncollected. She warned that such a trend could lead to widespread disenfranchisement if not urgently addressed.
“Voter registration is a fundamental element of the democratic process and the primary means through which eligible citizens are enfranchised,” she said.
The REC clarified that the upcoming CVR is not an invitation to commence political campaigns, as the official notice of election has yet to be issued by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
She outlined that the exercise would target seven categories of individuals: new registrants who have just turned 18, those unable to register previously, persons wishing to transfer their registration, voters with accreditation issues, citizens seeking to update their data, individuals with defaced or lost PVCs, and those collecting unclaimed PVCs.
“The CVR exercise will continue until August 2026; however, it will be temporarily stopped in December 2025 to facilitate the harvesting and processing of data collected from August to December 2025. After this short break, the exercise will resume early next year.”
The REC issued a strong warning against double or multiple registrations, citing the Electoral Act 2022, which prescribes a fine of N100,000, one year imprisonment, or both, for offenders.
“Those already registered must not re-register. It is illegal and punishable under the law,” she cautioned.
Mrs Babalola, however, said all 19 centres designated for the exercise are ready for commencement, while the INEC Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) required for the exercise are available in sufficient quantity, well labelled, fully charged, and ready for deployment.
“As we approach the commencement of the CVR I want to use this opportunity to call on all eligible citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to register, update their information, and collect their PVC during the exercise.
“In the same vein, I urge all political parties, civil society organisations, faith-based groups, youth, women’s groups, and traditional leaders to join us in mobilising the populace for the success of the CVR exercise.
“A credible voter register is the bedrock of a credible election. Let me conclude by reaffirming INEC’s unwavering commitment to transparency, professionalism, and inclusivity throughout the registration process.”
