With just weeks to go before the July 10 deadline, Nigerians are ramping up calls for eligible citizens to complete their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration, as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which began on May 11 under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), marks the final phase before the polls scheduled for January 16, 2027, for presidential and National Assembly elections, and February 6 for governorship contests.
Across social media, public figures and influencers have stepped in to amplify the message, blending urgency with creativity to reach younger voters. Financial coach GehGeh and realtor Kome are among those leading the charge, using a mix of satire, personal appeals, and reposts of official INEC materials to encourage participation.
“Registering to vote is the minimum requirement for change,” GehGeh said in a recent post, echoing a sentiment that has gained traction online. Kome, in a separate appeal, urged Nigerians not to “sit out another election cycle,” warning that apathy could deepen existing governance challenges.
The CVR process allows first-time voters and those seeking to update their details to begin registration online via INEC’s portal, before completing biometric capture at designated centers nationwide. Registration centers operate on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., according to the commission.
However, the process has not been without setbacks. Some prospective voters have reported intermittent website glitches during pre-registration, while others cite long queues and limited awareness in certain areas as barriers to completion.
Beyond technical concerns, a deeper issue persists: voter apathy. Years of economic hardship, coupled with skepticism about the electoral process, have left many Nigerians questioning whether their votes will truly count.
Political analysts say this mood presents a significant challenge for INEC and civil society groups. “There is a trust deficit that cannot be ignored,” said Abuja-based political analyst Musa Adetayo. “Mobilisation efforts must go beyond registration and address confidence in the system itself.”
Despite these concerns, electoral officials maintain that early registration is critical to ensuring a smooth voting process. INEC has repeatedly urged citizens not to wait until the final days, warning that last-minute surges could overwhelm facilities.
As the deadline approaches, the coming weeks will test whether the renewed push, both online and on the ground, can translate into meaningful voter turnout. For many Nigerians, the question remains not just whether to register, but whether participation will bring the change they seek.