The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the resumption of the third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, scheduled to begin on May 11 and end on July 10, 2026.
The commission urged Nigerians who have turned 18 or missed earlier phases to seize the opportunity to register.
INEC explained that the earlier suspension of the exercise on April 17 was to allow for a clean-up of the voter register after its publication for claims and objections.
The commission also encouraged already registered voters to update their details, transfer registrations, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards through its online portal or designated offices nationwide.
As part of efforts to strengthen representation, INEC held a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi to discuss the restoration of four suppressed constituencies in Benue State—Gboko III, Konshisha, Makurdi III, and Ukum III—in compliance with court rulings.
INEC Commissioner supervising Benue, Sunday Ajah, called for cooperation among stakeholders to fast-track the process, while Governor Hyacinth Alia, represented by his deputy, urged swift action to ensure elections are conducted in the affected constituencies.
Meanwhile, public affairs commentator Usman Okai criticized INEC during a similar meeting in Lokoja, alleging plans to marginalize grassroots voters.
He challenged the commission’s position on constituency representation, insisting that limits suggested by officials were inaccurate and could undermine citizens’ constitutional rights.