The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will run for one full year, ending on August 30, 2026.

This was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun.

According to the commission, the physical phase of registration commenced nationwide on Monday in all 811 state and local government offices, following the launch of the online pre-registration portal on August 18, 2025.

Olumekun disclosed that within just one week, a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians had pre-registered online.

“The breakdown shows that 661,846 (47.96 per cent) are male and 717,856 (52.04 per cent) are female. Young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the majority with 860,286 (62.37 per cent).

“In terms of occupation, 374,534 (27.15 per cent) are students, while persons with disability account for 27,089 (1.96 per cent),” he stated.

The electoral body said the physical exercise would cater for those who prefer in-person registration, as well as those who began the process online and need to complete it at designated centres.

“This will afford those who prefer the in-person option to register at the centres and those who chose the online pre-registration method to complete their registration,” Olumekun explained.

INEC urged eligible citizens to take advantage of the year-long exercise and avoid the usual last-minute rush.

“The exercise will continue until 30th August 2026. However, we urge all intending registrants not to wait until the deadline approaches when, from experience, centres are inundated by eleventh-hour registrants amidst appeals for extension of time,” the statement read.

The commission reminded the public that the CVR is strictly for Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who have not previously registered, warning that double or multiple registrations remain illegal.

It, however, clarified that the exercise could also be used for transfers and replacement of voter cards.

“Inter-state/FCT and intra-state/FCT transfer of voters as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voters’ cards are allowed during the CVR,” Olumekun added.