The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed 16th January 2027 for the Presidential and National Assembly elections, and 6th February 2027 for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
To prepare for these elections, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise began on 18th August 2025 and will run until 30th August 2026. This is the official window within which eligible Nigerians must complete their voter registration to be able to vote in 2027.
Here’s what you need to do to ensure you get your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and become eligible to vote.
A Permanent Voter’s Card is issued by INEC, and without it, you cannot vote in Nigeria.
However, not everyone can apply. There are certain criteria you must meet before you can register:
- You must be a Nigerian citizen.
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must not have registered before.
- You must be ready to vote in your assigned polling unit.
If you have registered before but lost your card, you can apply for a reprint.
Now, here’s the step-by-step process.
Step 1: Start Online
You can begin your registration online through the INEC voter registration portal:
Fill in your details and complete the pre-registration form. This saves you time at the physical registration center.
However, note that this does not complete your registration. You must still go physically to finalize it.
Step 2: Go to an INEC Registration Center
After pre-registering (or even if you didn’t), locate the nearest INEC office or designated registration center in your state. You can find the nearest center through the registration link or by checking INEC updates.
When going, take along:
Means of identification (Your NIN is highly recommended)
Basic personal details (Like your home address, LGA, etc.)
At the center, your biometrics, fingerprints, and photograph will be captured. This is compulsory.
Step 3: Collect Your Acknowledgment Slip
After completing your registration, you will be given an acknowledgment slip.
Keep it safe.
This slip contains:
Your VIN (Voter Identification Number)
Your registration details
You may need this slip when it’s time to collect your PVC.
Step 4: Wait for Collection Announcement
PVCs are not issued immediately after registration.
INEC will officially announce when the cards are ready for collection. To stay informed, follow:
Updates from your local INEC office
Trusted news platforms
Do not assume your card is ready until there is an official announcement.
Step 5: Collect Your PVC
Once collection begins, return to the center where you registered.
Go with:
Your acknowledgment slip
A valid ID (if requested)
You must collect your PVC yourself. No one is allowed to collect it on your behalf.
Special Cases
If you lost your PVC, you can apply for a reprint at your INEC office.
If you relocated, you can apply for a transfer to your new polling unit.
If there is an error in your details, you can request a correction during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) period.
All of these processes are handled by INEC.
DEADLINE: 30th August 2026
Any citizen who does not complete both online and physical registration on or before this date will be ineligible to vote.
Remember:
Voting is your constitutional right.
Voting is a vital way for citizens to make change
Get your PVC as soon as possible and encourage others to do the same.
