INEC Has Issued A Stern Warning To Nigerians Ahead Of The Forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Exercise

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a stern warning to Nigerians ahead of the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, cautioning against engaging in multiple registrations.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Plateau State, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, delivered the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting held to discuss the nationwide resumption of the CVR process. He emphasized that voter registration is both a right and a civic duty of every eligible Nigerian citizen, but that any attempt to manipulate the system would carry serious repercussions.

According to Sadiq, anyone found to have registered more than once would face strict sanctions, including the complete removal of their name from the national voter register.

“Voter registration is not only a fundamental right, but also a duty of every eligible citizen of Nigeria,” he stated. “No individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered. The commission will not accept multiple registration, and any registrant caught engaging in such an act risks being completely delisted from the register.”

The REC urged all citizens who have reached the age of 18 but have not yet registered to take advantage of the CVR opportunity to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He stressed that the exercise would officially begin on August 18 with an online registration phase, enabling Nigerians to register conveniently from any location at any time through the official website.

He further explained that the CVR process would cater to new voters, PVC collection, PVC transfer requests, and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs. Sadiq reassured the public that measures have been put in place to prevent non-Nigerians from participating in the exercise, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the electoral roll.

Highlighting the importance of grassroots engagement, the REC called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, civil society groups, and other community stakeholders to intensify sensitization efforts and encourage eligible residents to participate in the registration.

He also advised those who had previously registered but had yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the exercise, stressing that active participation in the electoral process was key to strengthening democracy in Nigeria.

With the official commencement date drawing near, INEC reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, accessible, and credible voter registration process nationwide.