2027 General Elections: INEC Announces Voter Registration Deadline

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially announced the closing date for continuous voter registration ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission, in a statement released by its Chairman, urged all Nigerians aged 18 and above who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) to visit their nearest registration centre.

According to INEC, over 12 million eligible Nigerians are yet to register as voters, a gap the commission describes as 'alarming' given the proximity of the election cycle.

'We cannot overemphasise the importance of every Nigerian exercising their civic right,' the INEC chairman stated. 'Your PVC is your voice. Without it, you cannot hold any government accountable.'

The registration exercise covers all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with mobile registration units deployed to rural and underserved communities. INEC has also partnered with civil society organisations to conduct mass voter registration drives in universities, markets, and religious centres across the country.

Legal experts have noted that an increase in registered voters is critical for the legitimacy of the 2027 elections, particularly following the controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is expected to be further refined by 2027 to prevent malpractice.

Voters are advised to bring a valid means of identification — including national ID, driver's licence, or birth certificate — to their nearest registration centre. The online pre-registration portal is also available at inec.gov.ng.