The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced phase two of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Akwa Ibom State, beginning from January 5, 2026, across 31 Local Government Area offices in the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Akwa Ibom, Mr. Obo Effanga, disclosed this in a statement issued in Uyo on Tuesday, warning members of the public against double registration.
Effanga cautioned those who completed their registration during the first phase, which ended on December 10, 2025, as well as voters already captured in the register during the 2023 general elections, not to attempt to register again, noting that such actions amount to double registration.
He reminded eligible voters of the provisions of Section 23 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prescribes penalties for offences such as double registration, inducement of registration officials, provision of false information, and disruption of the registration process.
The REC directed all electoral officers to ensure that registration centres open daily by 9 a.m., adding that all 32 registration centres at the state headquarters and the 31 INEC offices across local government areas commenced operations as scheduled.
Effanga explained that the second phase of the CVR exercise provides an opportunity for citizens who could not register during the first phase to do so, assuring that registration centres will operate between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, except on weekends and public holidays.
He listed eligible participants as Nigerians aged 18 years and above who have never registered, voters seeking replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), those wishing to transfer their registration, and individuals who want to correct or update their personal details such as names and addresses.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent and credible voter registration process and urged residents of the state to take advantage of the ongoing exercise in line with electoral guidelines.