The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians ahead of the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, cautioning against engaging in multiple registrations. The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Plateau State, Alhaji Mohammed Sadiq, delivered the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting on the resumption of the nationwide CVR, stressing that offenders risk being completely removed from the voter register.
Sadiq described voter registration as both a fundamental right and a civic duty of every eligible Nigerian citizen, noting that only those duly registered can participate in elections. He urged Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and above but have not yet registered to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). He emphasised that the commission will not condone multiple registrations, warning that anyone caught will face severe consequences, including delisting from the register.
According to the REC, the CVR will commence on August 18 with an online registration phase, allowing eligible citizens to register from any location at any time via the official portal, www.cvr.inecnigeria.org. He explained that the exercise is primarily for new voters who have reached voting age, as well as for the collection, transfer, or replacement of lost or damaged PVCs. The commission, he added, has put measures in place to prevent non-Nigerians from participating in the process.
Sadiq also urged residents of Plateau State who had previously registered but have yet to collect their PVCs to do so during the exercise. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, and other key stakeholders to intensify efforts in sensitising the public about the CVR, stressing the importance of ensuring that all eligible citizens are registered and equipped to vote.
The REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible and transparent voter registration process, assuring Nigerians that every step has been taken to ensure inclusivity and integrity in the electoral process. He maintained that the success of the forthcoming CVR depends on the collective effort of citizens and stakeholders to uphold the sanctity of the voter register.
