Eligible voters urged to update records as INEC resumes CVR

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on all eligible voters in Bauchi State to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, stressing the importance of updating personal records and replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, August 22, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Bauchi State, Umar Ibrahim, explained that the voter registration exercise would cater for multiple categories of people.

These include fresh applicants who have reached the voting age of 18, citizens whose personal details, such as name, date of birth, gender, or address, need correction, voters seeking to transfer their registration to new locations, and individuals requiring replacement of lost, defaced, or damaged PVCs.

In addition, uncollected PVCs from the 2022 registration exercise will also be available for distribution.

The REC further clarified that the CVR will be conducted through both online and physical platforms.

According to him, online pre-registration commenced on Monday, August 18, 2025, while physical registration will officially begin on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Both processes will run side by side until August 30, 2026.

He emphasized that only Nigerian citizens who are 18 years and above, have not been previously registered, and are present for biometric capturing, are eligible to register.

For accessibility, Ibrahim stated that the online registration portal (cvr.inecnigeria.org) is available around the clock, allowing applicants to begin the process at their convenience.

On the other hand, physical registration will take place at the INEC State Office in Bauchi and across 20 INEC Local Government offices in the state.

The centres will open on weekdays, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding public holidays.

Highlighting transparency measures, the REC disclosed that a Preliminary Register of Voters will be displayed every quarter for public inspection.

This, he said, would provide an opportunity for members of the public to raise claims, objections, or corrections, thereby ensuring that only eligible voters remain on the final register ahead of the polls.

Umar Ibrahim also issued a stern warning against electoral malpractices. He noted that INEC would not condone multiple registrations, underage registration, proxy applications, or collection of PVCs by unauthorized persons.

He added that any attempt to obstruct INEC officials in the discharge of their duties would be met with stiff sanctions as provided for under the Electoral Act 2022.

The REC appealed to citizens of Bauchi State to take full advantage of the opportunity.

“I urge all eligible Nigerians residing in Bauchi to participate in this exercise. Please register if you are yet to do so, update your personal details where necessary, and ensure you collect your PVCs.

“INEC remains fully committed to delivering a free, fair, credible, and inclusive voter registration process,” he said.