The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning against the registration of underage voters during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. INEC’s national commissioner, Festus Agboke, reiterated the commission’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s voter registration process, stating that underage registration will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Speaking during a recent press briefing, Agboke explained that the CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, is critical for updating the National Register of Voters ahead of the 2027 general elections. The exercise includes online pre-registration and physical in-person registration, designed to give eligible Nigerian citizens a seamless way to participate in democracy.
Agboke pointed out that INEC has implemented technological safeguards to prevent multiple registrations and the inclusion of underage voters. These include pre-registration online to screen applicants, the use of biometric verification devices to confirm identities, and real-time database checks to ensure all registrants meet the age requirement of 18 years or older.
The commissioner emphasized that the commission is working closely with security agencies to combat any attempts at fraudulent registration. He revealed that underage registration attempts in previous exercises were mostly community-driven conspiracies, often involving collusion with registration officials — practices INEC is determined to prevent this time.
Agboke urged Nigerians to cooperate by ensuring only eligible voters register and by reporting any suspected irregularities to INEC through its Help Desk and Citizen’s Contact Centre. According to him, the credibility and fairness of upcoming elections depend on the accuracy of the voter register.
The commission also encouraged citizens who have not collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from previous elections to do so promptly during this period to ensure full participation.
The CVR exercise will continue until August 30, 2026, with registrants able to complete online pre-registration and schedule appointments for physical registration at designated centers.
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