By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of its 2025–2026 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Borno State, setting in motion what it describes as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Addressing journalists in Maiduguri, Borno State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Abubakar Ahmad Ma’aji said the updated register of voters remains “the bedrock of credible elections”, stressing that the CVR will be conducted in three carefully scheduled phases to ensure smooth implementation.
The exercise will open on 18 August 2025 with online pre-registration, enabling prospective voters to initiate the process remotely via www.cvr.inec.gov.ng and www.cvr.inecnigeria.org, before completing it in person at INEC offices on an appointed date. Physical registration will commence on 25 August 2025 and will take place simultaneously with the online option across all state and local government area (LGA) offices from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays, excluding public holidays.
Ma’aji disclosed that the three phases will run from August to December 2025, January to April 2026, and May to August 2026, with a short display period of the register following each phase for public scrutiny. In a security-driven adjustment, physical registration for residents of Abadam, Guzamala, Kala Balge and Marte LGAs will be conducted at designated locations within Maiduguri metropolis rather than in their local offices.
Services available during the CVR include registration of citizens aged 18 and above who have never registered, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer of voter details for those who have relocated, collection of unclaimed PVCs from previous exercises, and updating of records for voters whose PVCs failed biometric verification during the last elections.
“This exercise is a national call to civic duty, and we are committed to ensuring every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate,” Ma’aji said, adding that detailed locations of registration centres in Borno are available on the INEC website. He appealed for continued media partnership and public cooperation, assuring that the commission will provide regular updates
throughout the process.
End.