The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed February 20, 2027, for the presidential and national assembly elections.

Joash Amupitan, INEC chairman, announced the date on Friday during a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The chairman added that the governorship and state houses of assembly elections would be held on March 6, 2027.

Voting is a fundamental right for every citizen, and voter registration is a crucial step towards exercising your right to choose deserving leaders in elections.

The first phase of the voters’ registration, which began with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, and was followed by in-person registration across all 774 local government areas and the Federal Capital Territory, formally ended on Wednesday, December 10.

The second phase of the CVR has commenced since January 5, 2026, in accordance with the earlier timetable, and it is expected to run until April 17, 2026.

The CVR exercise is open to new voters aged 18 and above, those who wish to collect or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and individuals who need to replace lost or damaged PVCs,” it stated

The Commission informed that eligible Nigerians can commence their registration online, through the portal, www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.

So, as the 2026 off-cycle and 2027 general polls approach, one simple task can save you from stress and wasted time: knowing how to check your voters’ status online.

To check your voter registration status online with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), follow these steps:

How to check your voters’ status online in Nigeria

INEC provides an official online portal where registered voters can confirm their status. To access the online portal and check your voter registration status — www.cvr.inecnigeria.org:

Visit INEC’s Voter Verification Portal, or Head to the official INEC voter portal: the same platform used for Continuous Voter Registration and verification.

Choose a search option to check your status online.

You can search using: Your Voter Identification Number (VIN), or

Your name and date of birth. This is helpful if your VIN card is missing.

Enter your details carefully

A small spelling error can throw everything off.

Submit and review your status

Meanwhile, if you are registered, your details, polling unit, registration status, and personal information will appear.

Verify your voters’ status result

When your details pop up, don’t just take a glance and move on; verify everything, whether it is correct or not. Look properly.

But if you have the wrong polling unit, you need to request a transfer.

Also, for name errors, correction is required.

INEC allows voters to correct or update their information during designated periods. Miss that window, and you might be stuck till after the election. It is very important as a voter not to ignore minor errors, because small issues often become big problems on Election Day.

Steps to register for a permanent voter’s card online

INEC had explained that the online process allows prospective voters to fill in their details and book appointments before completing biometrics in person.

“The pre-registration will enable eligible Nigerians to choose a date and time for physical capture,” the Commission stated on X.

1. Visit the INEC Voter Registration Portal

Go to cvr.inecnigeria.org and click “Get Started”.

First-time registrants should select “New Voter Pre-Registration.”

Options are also available for lost PVC replacement, updates, or transfers.

INEC warns: “Multiple registrations are not allowed. Attempts to register more than once may result in invalidation.”

2. Create and Verify an Account

Provide your name, phone number, email, and password to open an account.

A verification link will be sent to your email. After confirming, sign in and complete the declaration form pledging accurate information.

3. Fill in the Online Registration Form

Input your biodata, residential address, and polling unit details.

Uploading a valid ID (such as NIN, passport, or driver’s license) is optional but recommended to speed up verification.

4. Upload Your Photographs

INEC requires two passport photos:

One with a neutral expression.

One with a smile

Photos must be clear and well-lit before submission.

5. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

Schedule a date for biometric capture at the nearest INEC centre. This includes fingerprints and facial data.

Centres operate Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, excluding public holidays.

Missed appointments can be rescheduled through the portal.

6. Collect Your Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC)

After biometric capture, INEC issues a Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC). This serves as proof of registration and must be presented when collecting the PVC.

7. Pick Up Your PVC

INEC will notify registrants when their PVCs are ready, usually within 1–3 months. The collection is at the same centre where biometrics were captured.

The TVC must be presented to receive the permanent card. INEC noted that eligible Nigerians include:

Citizens aged 18 and above registering for the first time.

Existing voters transferring polling units.

Individuals replacing lost or damaged PVCs. (The Nation)

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