…Warns violators will face law enforcement crackdown
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned that anyone involved in multiple registrations or attempting to enlist underage voters during the forthcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Lagos will face swift penalties, including arrest and prosecution.
Addressing journalists in Lagos on Tuesday, the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Ayobami Salami, stated that the commission would enforce electoral laws rigorously as it commences a year-long CVR programme aimed at updating and expanding the state’s voter register.
He explained that the online registration phase would begin on 18 August 2025, while the physical biometric capturing would follow from 25 August 2025 to 30 August 2026. Salami stressed that the process would be conducted strictly in line with legal provisions.
“Underage registration and multiple registrations are criminal offences. Offenders will be apprehended and handed over to the police for appropriate action. The integrity of this voter registration process is non-negotiable, and we are committed to safeguarding it,” he said.
According to Salami, all applicants must present their National Identification Numbers (NIN) or another valid national means of identification to confirm their eligibility. This measure, he said, would help prevent fraudulent entries and ensure only qualified citizens are included in the register.
The REC noted that the exercise targets Nigerians who have turned 18, individuals replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and voters seeking to transfer their polling units or change their voting locations within or outside Lagos.
Registration centres, he disclosed, have been established at the INEC State Secretariat in Yaba and at all 20 Local Government Area offices across the state. He encouraged residents to utilise the opportunity early to avoid last-minute congestion.
Salami also appealed to the media to take an active role in public enlightenment, spreading accurate information about the CVR, and monitoring the process for transparency.
“The CVR exercise is a vital part of our democracy. The media must educate citizens on the importance of voter registration, the eligibility rules, the required documents, and the significance of this process for our nation’s future. We also need journalists to flag any emerging issues so they can be addressed promptly,” he said.
He added that registration would run from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with anyone already in the queue at closing time allowed to finish the process.
“This is not merely an administrative task. It is about empowering citizens, shaping governance, and safeguarding our collective future. A credible voter register is the bedrock of free and fair elections, and that foundation must remain firm,” Salami concluded.
