The Independent National Electoral Commission has concluded the second phase of its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, recording a total of 3,748,704 new voters across the country.
The commission made this known in a statement released on Friday and signed by its Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Etta-Messi. The update marks a key step in preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as the electoral body continues efforts to expand and update the national voter register.
According to INEC, the figures represent Nigerians who successfully completed their registration through both online and physical processes during the second phase of the exercise.
INEC said the total number of registered voters reflects strong participation from citizens across different parts of the country. The exercise combined digital pre-registration with physical verification at designated centres, a system designed to make the process easier and more accessible.
Out of the total figure, 2,259,288 Nigerians completed their registration using the online pre-registration portal, while 1,489,416 finalized their registration through in-person visits to registration centres.
The commission described the turnout as encouraging, noting that it shows growing awareness among Nigerians about the importance of participating in the electoral process.
However, INEC also pointed out that the figures are still provisional and subject to further verification. This means that the final number may change slightly after thorough checks are completed.
With the registration phase now concluded, INEC has moved to the next stage of the process — the public display of the voter register for claims and objections.
The commission announced that this exercise will take place nationwide from April 29 to May 5, 2026. During this period, Nigerians who registered will have the opportunity to check their details and ensure that the information provided is correct.
The display stage is a critical part of the voter registration process. It allows for corrections and helps to identify errors, duplicate entries, and ineligible names, including those of deceased persons or non-citizens.
INEC urged all registrants to take the exercise seriously and participate actively.
“The Commission urges all Nigerians who registered during the second phase to take advantage of this window to confirm the accuracy of their information,” the statement said.
Election experts have often stressed that a credible voter register is the foundation of free and fair elections. Errors or irregularities in the register can lead to disputes, mistrust, and challenges during elections.
By opening the register for public scrutiny, INEC aims to improve transparency and build confidence in the electoral system.
The commission also called on citizens to report any irregularities they may notice during the display period, including cases of multiple registrations or suspicious entries.
INEC provided details of how the CVR exercise has been conducted so far. The process is being carried out in phases to allow for better organisation and monitoring.
The first phase of the exercise began on August 18, 2025, and ended on December 19, 2025. The second phase, which has just been completed, started on January 5, 2026, and ended on April 17, 2026.
The commission said information about the third phase of the exercise will be announced later.
The ongoing CVR exercise is part of INEC’s broader preparations for the 2027 general elections. By updating the voter register early, the commission aims to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure a smoother electoral process.
Nigeria’s elections are among the largest in Africa, with millions of voters spread across the country. Managing such a large number requires careful planning, reliable data, and efficient systems.
In recent years, INEC has introduced several reforms, including the use of technology, to improve the credibility of elections. These include online registration, biometric verification, and electronic transmission of results.
The combination of online and physical registration seen in the current exercise reflects the commission’s effort to balance convenience with security.
The CVR exercise has generally been well received by Nigerians, especially young people who are registering to vote for the first time. Many see it as an opportunity to have a say in the future of the country.
However, there have also been challenges. In some areas, citizens reported long queues at registration centres, technical issues with the online portal, and delays in completing the process.
Despite these challenges, INEC said the overall turnout shows that Nigerians remain committed to participating in the democratic process.
Voter registration is a key requirement for participation in elections. Without a valid voter record, citizens cannot vote on election day.
The CVR exercise allows new voters to register, while also giving existing voters the chance to update their information, such as changes in location or personal details.
For many Nigerians, especially young people who have just reached voting age, this process represents their first step into active citizenship.
As INEC moves into the verification stage, attention will shift to how effectively the commission manages the display of the voter register and addresses any issues that arise.
The success of this stage will play a major role in determining the quality of the final voter register, which will be used for the 2027 elections.
INEC has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, stating that maintaining a clean and credible voter register remains a top priority.
For now, Nigerians who took part in the second phase of the CVR exercise are expected to prepare for the next step by checking their details during the display period.
As the country gradually moves closer to another election cycle, the focus remains on ensuring that every eligible voter is properly registered and that the electoral process is trusted by all.
With over 3.7 million new registrations recorded in just one phase, the latest figures suggest that many Nigerians are ready to play their part in shaping the nation’s future through the ballot box.