Mixed Reactions As Nationwide Voters Registration kicks Off

The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise officially began across Nigeria today, drawing mixed reactions from citizens following the launch of the online pre-registration phase on August 18.

In Kano State, several eligible voters complained of network issues when attempting to access the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal. A Bayero University student said he made multiple failed attempts to register, while another resident, Malam Yunusa Gwarzo, also reported difficulties accessing the server. However, some, like Abubakar Ibrahim and Emmanuel Jacob, confirmed they successfully completed the process online.

INEC officials in Kano urged residents not to be discouraged, noting that over 360,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in the state. The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Ambassador Abdu Zango, appealed for intensified public awareness campaigns and disclosed that a two-day training had been organised for Registration Area Officers across the 44 LGAs.

In Kwara, residents who had misplaced their cards or recently attained voting age said they were able to register online without challenges. INEC’s state PRO, Halilu Ibrahim, said awareness campaigns had helped drive participation.

In Ondo, urban residents described the online process as smooth and stress-free, while those in rural areas complained of poor internet connectivity. A student in Akure said she completed registration within minutes, but a farmer in Ogbese reported repeated failures until he travelled to the state capital. INEC’s Yinka Ogunseye said turnout had been “encouraging,” with 69,376 people nationwide completing registration within the first seven hours.

INEC data showed that young Nigerians dominated the early registrations, with nearly 70% aged between 18 and 34. The CVR is scheduled to run until August 2026, with online applications to be followed by in-person biometric capture at centres nationwide.

In Ekiti, large crowds were seen at computer centres as residents sought to register ahead of the June 2026 governorship election. REC Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi assured that INEC staff were ready to manage the turnout and appealed for calm and cooperation.

Kogi’s REC, Oliver Agungu, urged citizens not to lose faith in INEC, stressing that credible elections required joint efforts from all stakeholders.

In Akwa Ibom, turnout was reported as “impressive,” especially among first-time voters and residents seeking transfers. However, some applicants faced long queues, slow service, and equipment breakdowns at registration centres. INEC said more kits had been deployed to busy locations to ease the pressure and warned against multiple registrations.

The CVR exercise, which combines online and physical registration, is seen as a key step in preparations for the 2027 general elections, with millions of Nigerians expected to take part in the year-long process.