The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced a three-day extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State. The commission had earlier scheduled the deadline for Wednesday, July 17, but in a fresh development, it revealed that the registration will now continue until Saturday, July 20, 2025.
The extension comes amidst growing demand from residents and civil society groups who had called on the electoral umpire to give more time to eligible voters, especially those in hard-to-reach areas, to participate in the exercise. This move by INEC is expected to accommodate the surge in registrants witnessed at various centers across the state, particularly in urban areas such as Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, where long queues and delays have been reported.
According to a statement issued by the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Anambra, the decision aligns with INEC’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to register ahead of the forthcoming 2025 governorship election in the state. The REC emphasized that the extension would also allow for mop-up registration in locations where technical or logistical challenges had previously slowed down the process.
INEC also reassured the public of its readiness to deploy additional personnel and registration machines to ease the process and reduce the waiting time for registrants. The commission urged eligible citizens who have yet to register, including those who recently turned 18 or those who have changed residence, to take advantage of the extra days to complete their registration.
The Continuous Voter Registration is a critical part of INEC’s broader electoral calendar as it aims to update the national voter register, ensuring accuracy and inclusivity. With this extension, political observers see it as a strategic effort to boost voter participation and strengthen electoral credibility in Anambra, especially in light of the approaching off-cycle election scheduled for November 2025.
INEC further reminded the public that registration will close by 5 p.m. on the final day, July 20, and that only those physically present at registration centers before the cutoff time will be attended to. All registrants are required to present a valid means of identification and must appear in person, as biometric data capture is mandatory.
As the electoral body intensifies efforts to expand civic engagement, the public is encouraged to avoid last-minute rushes and to cooperate with INEC officials on the ground to ensure a seamless process.
