The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun preparations for the 2027 General Elections with the commencement of Training of Trainers (ToT) at the Electoral Institute in Abuja, marking a significant step towards the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The intensive capacity-building session, which kicked off on Monday, brought together master trainers who will be responsible for cascading technical and legal knowledge to Registration Officers (ROs) across the country.

Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, represented by Nwanneka Nwala, emphasized the critical importance of the CVR in establishing the foundation for credible elections.

"The CVR exercise is the first key activity in the electoral cycle. Free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections begin with a credible Register of Voters," Prof. Zuru stated, highlighting the role of an updated and accurate voter register in achieving electoral integrity.

Key Dates for Voter Registration

According to the BEI Chairman, the online phase of the CVR will commence on Monday, 18th August 2025, followed by the physical in-person registration from Monday, 25th August 2025. This phased approach aims to streamline the registration process and improve accessibility for eligible voters.

Prof. Zuru disclosed that INEC has introduced significant improvements to the CVR process, including the digitization of registration procedures. This innovation will enable eligible Nigerians to begin the registration process online and complete it at a designated center, time, and date of their choosing.

"The digitization is aimed at easing voter enrolment and decongesting registration centers," he noted, emphasizing INEC's commitment to enhancing access and inclusion in the electoral process.

Comprehensive Training Approach

The Electoral Institute has designed the ToT to ensure that trainers are well-versed in both the Electoral Legal Framework and the technical operations of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and its accessories. These trainers will then replicate the knowledge at state and local government levels, building the capacity of Registration Officers nationwide.

"There is no shortcut to success," Prof. Zuru emphasized. "The only way to guarantee optimum performance by our ROs is through sustained and thorough training. You must therefore commit yourselves fully to this process."

He also stressed the importance of trainers familiarizing themselves with the Electoral Act 2022, the CVR Guidelines, and related regulations to deliver effective and compliant voter registration services.

Prof. Zuru expressed appreciation to the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other members of the Commission for their support and approval of the training exercise. He called on participants to view their roles not merely as routine duty, but as a shared responsibility in delivering "transparent, credible, acceptable, and inclusive elections" for Nigeria.

The training, coordinated by The Electoral Institute, signals INEC's readiness to resume voter registration nationwide with a strengthened team of trained personnel and improved technology, geared towards boosting public confidence and participation in the electoral process.

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