The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of the third and final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Kogi State. This phase, which began on Monday, 11 May 2026, will run until 10 July 2026, as part of the commission's commitment to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian is disenfranchised.
Official Announcement
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Kogi State, Dr. Shehu Wahab, made this known during a press conference held in Lokoja. He stated, "We have called this press conference to formally announce the commencement of Phase 3 of the CVR exercise in Kogi State. For emphasis, this is the final phase of the CVR, which began with online registration on 18 August 2025 and physical registration on 25 August 2025."
Scope of the Exercise
Dr. Wahab explained that, as in previous phases, this exercise is open to several categories of citizens:
- New Registrants: Any Nigerian citizen who has turned 18 since the last phase.
- Transfers: Individuals who have moved their residence to or within Kogi State and wish to change their voting station.
- Corrections: Registered voters who need to rectify errors in their names, dates of birth, or photographs.
- PVC Replacement: Those whose Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been lost, damaged, or defaced.
Performance Review
A comparison of Phase I and Phase II shows a significant increase in civic engagement across the state. During Phase I (August to November 2025), the commission recorded a total of 114,530 registration activities. In Phase II (January to April 2026), this figure rose to 164,193, representing a substantial increase in turnout. Dr. Wahab noted that in both phases, female registrants consistently outnumbered male registrants. For instance, in Phase II, there were 93,232 females compared to 70,961 males.
Call to Action
As INEC begins this new chapter in Kogi State, Dr. Wahab emphasized, "I call on the people of Kogi State: your vote is your power, and that power begins with a valid voter's card. Please take advantage of this window to get registered."
