The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has denied reports claiming that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and the replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will resume on May 27, 2025.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, described the circulating report as misleading and urged Nigerians to disregard it.
Oyekanmi clarified that INEC has not yet announced a date for the resumption of CVR and PVC collection. He noted that the commission is aware of the public’s interest in voter registration and assured that an official announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
“The attention of the commission has been drawn to a report claiming that the CVR and PVC replacement will resume on May 27. This information is false. INEC has not fixed a date for the exercise,” Oyekanmi stated.
He further urged Nigerians to rely only on official statements from INEC and avoid misinformation from unofficial sources.
Public Interest in Voter Registration
The issue of voter registration has remained a major concern in Nigeria, especially as the country prepares for upcoming elections. Many eligible voters who were unable to register before the last general elections have been eagerly waiting for INEC to resume the CVR exercise.
During the last voter registration period, millions of Nigerians trooped to INEC offices and designated centers across the country to register. However, some faced challenges such as long queues, system failures, and the unavailability of registration materials. Many who completed the process also struggled to collect their PVCs before the elections.
With the next election cycle approaching, there has been growing pressure on INEC to resume the registration exercise to allow more citizens to participate in the democratic process. Political parties, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups have continued to call for an early resumption of CVR to ensure that eligible Nigerians are not disenfranchised.
INEC’s Commitment to Credible Elections
INEC has consistently maintained that it is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. The commission has introduced various reforms to improve the electoral process, including the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the electronic transmission of results.
Despite these improvements, voter registration and PVC collection remain critical issues that need to be addressed to enhance electoral participation. The commission has assured that it will provide ample time for registration and ensure that every eligible voter gets the opportunity to obtain a PVC before the next elections.
INEC has also emphasized the need for citizens to follow official channels for updates on electoral matters. The commission regularly communicates through its official website, social media platforms, and public statements to keep Nigerians informed.
Combating Fake News in the Electoral Process
The spread of false information, especially during election periods, has become a serious challenge in Nigeria. Misleading reports about voter registration and PVC collection can create confusion and unnecessary panic among the electorate.
INEC has repeatedly warned against the dangers of fake news and urged Nigerians to verify any election-related information before sharing it. The commission has also partnered with media organizations and civil society groups to combat misinformation and promote accurate reporting on electoral issues.
As Nigeria moves closer to another election period, the role of credible information in strengthening democracy cannot be overlooked. Citizens are advised to rely on official announcements from INEC and avoid being misled by unverified sources.
Looking Ahead
While INEC has not fixed a date for the resumption of voter registration and PVC collection, many Nigerians remain hopeful that the process will begin soon. The commission is expected to announce the schedule once necessary preparations have been completed.
In the meantime, Nigerians are encouraged to stay informed, engage in civic discussions, and prepare to participate actively in the electoral process. A transparent and inclusive voter registration exercise will be crucial in ensuring that the voices of all eligible voters are heard in the country’s democratic journey.
