By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has concluded the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State, with a total of 168,187 new voters recorded between the start of the exercise and its extended deadline of 20th July 2025.
The National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee,Sam Olumekun, mni, made this known in a statement on Thursday July 24, 2025, following INEC’s regular weekly meeting held the same day, as part of preparations for the off-cycle governorship election in Anambra State.
The CVR, which was initially scheduled to end on 17th July, was extended by three days following appeals by concerned citizens and stakeholders.
The figure of 168,187 new registrants marks the highest number recorded in a two-week CVR window in the state since the process was first introduced in 2017.
According to INEC’s breakdown, of the new registrants: 97,832 (58%) are female; 70,355 (42%) are male; 90,763 (53.97%) are youths aged 18–34; 62,157 (36.92%) are businessmen/women; 44,243 (26.31%) are students.
The Commission also disclosed that 510 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) registered, with 303 (24.92%) having physical impediments and 207 (17.02%) with albinism. A full demographic and statistical breakdown of the registrants has been published on INEC’s website and official platforms.
INEC has now scheduled the display of the preliminary voter register for claims and objections across all 326 Wards in Anambra State from Saturday, 26th July to Friday, 1st August 2025. During this period, citizens can verify their information or report any inaccuracies.
Following the clean-up process and biometric verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), the validated names will be integrated into the main register and published on a Polling Unit basis.
The Commission also announced that dates and venues for collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs)—including those for new registrants and those requesting replacements or transfers—will be released soon. PVCs from previous registration exercises will also be available for pickup.
With just 105 days to the Anambra governorship election, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all eligible registrants receive their PVCs before the election date.
Update on Political Party Registration
INEC also provided an update on its party registration portal, developed internally by its ICT Department. The platform has been tested, demonstrated before the Commission, and approved for deployment.
In line with the legal framework for political party registration, the Commission is currently reviewing numerous letters of intent from aspiring political associations to determine their eligibility to proceed to the application stage.
To date, INEC has received 10 additional letters of intent, bringing the total number of applications to 144. The names, acronyms, logos, addresses, and interim leadership of these new associations have been made publicly available on the Commission’s website.
A final evaluation report is expected at the Commission’s next weekly meeting, after which further decisions will be taken.
INEC reiterated its commitment to transparency, public engagement, and regular updates as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
