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

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the schedule on Friday during a press conference at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The chairman also stated that the gubernatorial and state house of assembly elections would be held on March 6, 2027.

Voting is a fundamental right for all citizens, and voter registration is a crucial step toward exercising your freedom to choose the leaders you believe are most deserving in elections.

The first phase of voter registration, which began with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, and was followed by in-person registration in all 774 local government units and the Federal Capital Territory, concluded on Wednesday, December 10.

The second phase of the CVR commenced on January 5, 2026, as planned, and is expected to conclude on April 17, 2026.

The CVR exercise is open to new voters aged 18 and up, those who want to collect or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and individuals who need to replace missing or damaged PVCs,” it noted.

The Commission stated that eligible Nigerians can register online at www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.

As the 2026 off-cycle and 2027 general elections approach, one easy activity can save you frustration and lost time: understanding how to monitor your voters’ status online.

To verify your voter registration status online with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), follow the procedures below:

How to check your voters’ status online in Nigeria

INEC provides an official online platform for registered voters to confirm their status. To visit the internet portal and verify your voter registration status here.

• Visit INEC’s Voter Verification Portal, or go to the official INEC voter portal, which is the same platform used for continuous voter registration and verification.
• Select a search option to check your status online.
• You can search with your Voter Identification Number (VIN), or
• Your name and date of birth. This is useful if your VIN card is missing.
• Enter your information carefully.
• A little spelling error might throw everything off.
• Submit and review your status.
• Meanwhile, if you have registered, your details, polling unit, registration status, and personal information will be displayed.
• Verify your voters’ status results.
• When your details appear, don’t just peek at them and go on; double-check everything, whether it’s correct or incorrect. Take a proper look.
• But if you have the wrong polling unit, you must seek a transfer.
• Also, name errors must be corrected.

INEC allows voters to correct or update their information during certain times. If you miss that window, you can be stuck until after the election. As a voter, you must not dismiss little faults because small flaws can escalate into major problems on Election Day.

Steps to register for a permanent voter’s card online

INEC noted that the online procedure allows prospective voters to enter their information and schedule appointments before completing biometrics in person.

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

1. Visit the inec registration website

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

First-time registrants should choose “New Voter Pre-registration.”

There are additional options for replacing missing PVC, as well as updates and transfers.

INEC warns: “Multiple registrations are not permitted.” Attempts to register more than once may lead to invalidation.”

2. Create and Verify an Account

To open an account, please provide your name, phone number, email address, and password.

You will receive an email with a verification link. After confirmation, sign in and fill out the declaration form with accurate information.

3. Fill out the online registration form.

Enter your biodata, residential address, and polling unit information.

Uploading a valid ID (e.g., NIN, passport, or driver’s license) is optional but suggested to expedite verification.

4. Upload your photographs.

INEC requires two passport photographs:

• Someone with a neutral expression.
• The other that is smiling.

Before submitting photos, make sure they are clear and well-lit.

5. Book an Appointment for Biometrics

Make an appointment for biometric capture at the nearest INEC centre. This contains fingerprints and face information.

Centres are open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., excluding public holidays.

Missed appointments can be rescheduled using the site.

6. Collect Your Temporary Voter Card (TVC)

Following biometric capture, INEC issues a Temporary Voter Card (TVC). This is used as proof of registration and must be given when collecting the PVC.

7. Pick up your PVC

INEC will notify registrants when their PVCs are ready, which is normally within 1-3 months. The collection takes place at the same location where biometrics were obtained.

The TVC must be provided to obtain the permanent card. The INEC stated that eligible Nigerians include:

• Citizens aged 18 and up are enrolling for the first time.
• Existing voters are transferring polling units.

Conclusion

Understanding how to register for PVC in Nigeria in 2026 against the upcoming elections in 2027, is straightforward if you take the necessary procedures.

From online pre-registration to biometric capture and final collection, the INEC voter registration procedure for first-time voters in Nigeria is designed to be simple and safe.