2027: INEC Gives Nigerians Last Chance To Register, Fix PVC Before Deadline

With the clock ticking toward what may be the final major voter registration opportunity before Nigeria’s next electoral cycle gathers momentum, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the resumption of the third and final phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise beginning Monday, May 11, 2026.

The Commission said the exercise, which was temporarily suspended on April 17 to allow for cleanup of the voter register following the publication of registrants for claims and objections, will now run for 61 days and end on Friday, July 10, 2026.

In a press statement issued Tuesday and signed by the Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC described the coming phase as a crucial final opportunity for millions of eligible Nigerians, particularly those who recently turned 18 or missed earlier registration windows, to secure their place in the nation’s democratic process.

“The third phase of the CVR, which begins on Monday, 11th May 2026, will end on Friday, 10th July 2026,” the Commission stated.
INEC specifically urged citizens who have now attained voting age, as well as others who were unable to participate during the first and second phases, to take advantage of the fresh window.

“Eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18, as well as those who were unable to register during the earlier phases, should seize this opportunity to do so,” the statement added.

Beyond fresh registrations, the Commission also opened the door for already registered voters seeking to transfer their registration to new locations, replace damaged or missing Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, or correct personal biodata.

According to INEC, such voters are expected to either use its dedicated online portal or visit its offices across the country.

“Registered voters who wish to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, or correct their biodata, are advised to access the Commission’s dedicated online portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org⁠ or visit INEC State and Local Government Area offices nationwide,” Haruna said.

The announcement is expected to trigger a nationwide rush, particularly among young voters, internal migrants, and Nigerians whose voting credentials may have been compromised by relocation, administrative errors, or card loss.

Political observers say the finality of this phase adds urgency, especially as electoral stakeholders increasingly focus on voter strength, demographic shifts, and participation levels ahead of future contests.
INEC also disclosed that after the close of registration on July 10, the updated voter register will once again be subjected to public scrutiny through a statutory claims and objections period from July 23 to July 29.

“The Commission will display the Register of Voters for claims and objections from Thursday, 23rd July to Wednesday, 29th July 2026,” the statement noted.

The exercise, INEC explained, is designed to safeguard the credibility of the register by allowing Nigerians to identify errors, challenge suspicious entries, and contribute to ensuring the final database is accurate and trustworthy.

“This statutory exercise provides an important opportunity for citizens to scrutinise the register and assist the Commission in ensuring its accuracy, completeness and credibility,” Haruna stated.

Reassuring Nigerians of its preparedness, the electoral umpire said all logistics and administrative measures have been concluded for the smooth implementation of the final phase nationwide.

“The Commission reassures Nigerians that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for the smooth conduct of the exercise,” INEC said.

It further appealed to citizens not to treat the exercise lightly, stressing that democratic participation begins with being properly registered.

“We once again appeal to all eligible citizens to present themselves for registration and to play their part in strengthening the foundation of our electoral process,” the statement concluded.

With the May 11 kickoff date now set, attention is expected to shift to voter turnout levels, operational efficiency, and whether millions of unregistered Nigerians will respond to what INEC has effectively framed as a decisive final call. For many, the next 61 days may determine not just access to a PVC, but a voice in shaping Nigeria’s political future.