The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State will begin on July 8, 2025, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Addressing journalists at the INEC state office in Awka, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, clarified that the CVR was strictly for the upcoming governorship election and not connected to the senatorial and House of Assembly bye-elections slated for August 16, 2025.
The voter registration exercise will run daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m local time, including Saturdays but excluding Mondays, and will end on July 17, 2025.
“We urge eligible residents of Anambra to come out in large numbers to register or update their voter information,” Dr. Agwu said.
“Fresh registration must be done physically at designated INEC offices, while revalidation and corrections can be done online. Registration outside the stipulated hours will not be accepted,” she stated.
She emphasised that INEC would not register anyone by proxy or accept payments for registration, warning the public against fraudulent practices.
“INEC is not collecting money from anyone. Please, do not pay to be registered, and do not attempt to register on behalf of someone else,” she warned.
Preparations and Assurances
Dr. Agwu revealed that training for ad hoc electoral officials would take place on Friday and Saturday, as part of INEC’s broader preparations. She also confirmed that 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices have been configured and tested for deployment, and that arrangements with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for ad hoc staffing are finalised.
INEC has also serviced its vehicles and signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with registered transport unions to facilitate the efficient movement of election materials.
All non-sensitive materials have arrived in the state, and sensitive materials are expected shortly.
Electoral Conduct
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to a credible electoral process, the REC stated that INEC will not tolerate vote-buying, thuggery, or any form of electoral violence. She praised the peaceful conduct of recent party primaries in the state, which she said were “violence-free for the first time”, and confirmed that 16 political parties have fielded candidates for the upcoming election.
“Campaigning is not fighting. It’s about presenting your ideas and achievements. Thuggery is a criminal offense and will not be tolerated,” she said.
To ensure equitable access to campaign venues, she added that INEC has written to the state government requesting that public facilities be made available to all political parties, in line with democratic principles.
Bye-Elections and Future CVR
On the August 16 bye-elections for the Senate and House of Assembly, Dr. Agwu stated that existing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be used. She also announced that a nationwide CVR will commence shortly afterward, in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
Call to Action
Dr. Agwu called on residents to take voter registration and election participation seriously.
“It’s not right to sit at home playing drafts on election day and later complain about bad governance. One vote can make a difference,” she said, urging the public to vote without fear, as security personnel will be deployed across the state.
She concluded by assuring citizens of a transparent and improved electoral process, stating that INEC was committed to delivering an election better than previous ones.
Confidence Okwuchi