The Independent National Electoral Commission in Anambra State has announced that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will commence on Monday, July 8, 2025, ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for November 8.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, made the announcement during a press briefing held at the INEC state headquarters in Awka on Thursday.
Dr. Agwu clarified that the voter registration exercise is strictly for the forthcoming governorship election and not for the scheduled senatorial and state assembly bye-elections.
“The CVR will run from July 8 to July 17, 2025, every day except Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” she said. “It is open to eligible citizens in Anambra who are yet to register or those who wish to update their information.”
She emphasized that fresh registrations must be done in person at designated INEC centres, while those seeking to correct or validate existing data can do so online.
“There will be no registration by proxy,” Dr. Agwu stressed. “Also, any attempt to register outside the stipulated hours will not be recognized as the registration portal will automatically close at 3:00 p.m. daily.”
The REC also disclosed that INEC had completed arrangements for the training of ad hoc electoral staff, which will take place on Friday and Saturday, as part of preparation for the off-cycle poll.
Dr. Agwu warned residents against paying anyone to facilitate registration, calling such practices illegal and invalid.
“INEC is not collecting money from anyone,” she stated. “Do not pay anyone, and do not register on behalf of someone else. These acts are criminal and will not be tolerated.”
According to her, after the close of the CVR, INEC will display the provisional voter register for public scrutiny and corrections where necessary.
On the August 16 bye-elections for the Senate and House of Assembly seats, Dr. Agwu explained that only previously issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be used, and not those from the ongoing CVR.
“A new nationwide voter registration exercise will begin immediately after the bye-elections in preparation for the 2027 general elections,” she said.
She added that INEC had configured 300 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines for the Anambra governorship election and had reached an agreement with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for the deployment of corps members as ad hoc staff.
On logistics, she confirmed that all non-sensitive materials had been delivered, while sensitive materials are expected shortly.
“We have signed memoranda of understanding with transport unions to assist in the distribution of election materials. Our vehicles have also been fully serviced,” she noted.
Dr. Agwu called on political parties and candidates to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns.
“Campaigning is not warfare,” she said. “It is a platform to share plans and programs with the electorate. Thuggery and violence are criminal acts and will not be condoned.”
She also disclosed that the commission had written to the state government to ensure equitable access to public spaces for all political parties.
Sixteen political parties have so far fielded candidates for the upcoming governorship race.
INEC, in line with the Electoral Act, issued the election timetable more than 360 days before the poll, as required by law.
Dr. Agwu concluded by urging all eligible residents of Anambra to seize the opportunity to participate actively in the electoral process.
