The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues to maintain its online voter services platform as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The official Continuous Voter Registration portal provides a range of services for prospective and already registered voters. These include voter registration functions, updating existing registration information, transferring registration to another polling unit, replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), checking voter status and locating registration centres.

However, the continued availability of these services should not be interpreted as an announcement that the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise has been reopened.

INEC stated in February 2026 that the nationwide CVR exercise was scheduled to run until August 30, 2026. The Commission's official records show that the exercise began with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, followed by in-person registration from August 25, 2025.

The Commission's voter portal remains accessible, allowing users to access several voter-related services. Its current platform includes options for new voter registration, pre-registration, voter information review, transfers, information updates, uncollected PVCs and replacement requests for lost or damaged cards.

Online services and physical verification

For voter registration, INEC's established procedure has included an online component followed by biometric capture at an approved registration centre.

Under the Commission's registration guidelines, eligible applicants can submit their information online, select an appointment and subsequently visit a designated centre where their fingerprints and other biometric information are captured to complete the registration process.

The portal also allows existing registered voters to request changes to their records. These services include corrections to personal information and other updates to voter registration details.

Registered voters who have moved to a different area can also use the transfer service to request a change of polling location, subject to INEC's procedures and approval.

For voters whose PVCs have been lost or damaged, INEC provides an online replacement process. The Commission's guidelines require applicants to provide information that allows their existing voter record to be retrieved and verified before a replacement request is processed.

The portal also provides information on locations where previously uncollected PVCs can be picked up.

2027 election dates

The 2027 general elections are already on INEC's official timetable.

According to the Commission's current election calendar, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State House of Assembly elections in participating states are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

INEC's official website also continues to provide voter information and access to election-related services as preparations for the polls progress.

With the CVR exercise having concluded on August 30, 2026, Nigerians should therefore distinguish between the availability of the Commission's online voter-services platform and the opening of a new nationwide registration window.

Citizens who are already registered can use the appropriate INEC services to check their voter status and address permitted issues with their records. The Commission's voter verification service allows registered voters to check their status using their personal details or Voter Identification Number (VIN).

INEC cautions against multiple registration

INEC has repeatedly warned eligible voters against registering more than once.

The Commission said its technology can detect duplicate registrations and has warned that people who engage in multiple registration risk having duplicate records removed from the voters' register.

For people who are already registered but need to correct information, change their polling location or replace a damaged or missing PVC, INEC provides specific procedures rather than requiring them to register again.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, voters are expected to rely on INEC's official platforms and announcements for information about registration, voter verification, PVC collection and any future changes to the electoral timetable.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia