INEC Rejects Calls to Extend Continuous Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ruled out any further extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, saying it must now focus on preparing the voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC’s Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Wilfred Ifogah, made the position clear during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, despite growing calls from opposition parties and civil society organisations for more time.

According to Ifogah, the commission had already granted a two-week extension before the exercise officially ended on Sunday, but extending it again would disrupt INEC’s election timetable.

“So we just have to stop the exercise. So for those who are unable to meet up, well, I’ll say we are sorry. There’s nothing we can do for now,” he said.

He explained that compiling and cleaning up the national voters’ register is a lengthy process that requires significant time before any election can be conducted.

“Even the extension by two weeks we gave is going to put us under pressure as a commission in preparing the register before the election,” Ifogah stated.

He added that INEC requires at least 75 days after the close of registration to process, verify and prepare the voters’ register in line with its election timetable.

The electoral commission’s decision comes amid criticism from some political parties and advocacy groups, who argued that extending the registration period would allow more eligible Nigerians to register and participate in the 2027 elections.

Despite the concerns, INEC has maintained that meeting its constitutional and operational deadlines remains a priority as preparations for the nationwide polls continue.