By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State has concluded arrangements to commence a 50-day rotational Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across all wards in the state, in a move aimed at expanding voter participation ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Ayobami Salami, disclosed this on Sunday, 1 February, 2026 while addressing stakeholders at a meeting on the second phase of the CVR exercise.
He explained that the initiative was introduced to curb voter apathy while bringing registration services closer to eligible voters across the state.
Speaking further, Salami described Continuous Voter Registration as one of INEC’s core statutory responsibilities, emphasising its importance to the democratic process.
“The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is one of INEC’s most critical statutory responsibilities,” he said, noting that it enables eligible Nigerians to register to vote, transfer registration, correct personal details and replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to the REC, the second phase of the exercise builds on the successes and lessons learnt from the first phase, while placing greater emphasis on access and efficiency.
“The CVR exercise is designed to build on the successes and lessons learnt from the first phase. It aims to expand access, improve efficiency, and ensure that no eligible voter in Lagos State is disenfranchised due to a lack of opportunity to register,” he stated.
To achieve this, Salami explained that the exercise would adopt a rotational approach across Registration Areas (RAs) in all Local Government Areas of the state for 50 days.
“Therefore, this phase will focus on devolution by rotating the voter registration exercise in Registration Areas in all the Local Government Areas across the state for 50 days. The rotation will commence on Monday,2nd February 2026, and end on 10th April 2026,” he said.
In addition, he noted that the final week of the exercise would be centralised at local government offices.
“Further details will be made available through our official channels in due course. However, the last week of this phase II of CVR, from 11th April 2026 to 17th April 2026, will be at the Local Government Area offices,” Salami added.
The REC assured stakeholders that INEC had put in place adequate measures to ensure a smooth and credible registration process.
“The Commission has made adequate arrangements to ensure a smooth and transparent process,” he said, adding that “measures have been put in place to improve logistics, deploy well-trained personnel, and strengthen our technology to reduce delays and boost public confidence.”
However, Salami stressed that the success of the exercise would largely depend on the cooperation of political actors and other stakeholders.
“Political parties are therefore enjoined to sensitise their members to strictly comply with the guidelines and refrain from actions that could undermine the credibility of the process,” he warned.
Furthermore, he called on civil society organisations, the media, traditional and religious leaders, as well as youth and women’s groups, to intensify mobilisation and voter education efforts.
“Voter registration is not merely a civic responsibility; it is the foundation of democratic representation and accountable governance, with attendant shared benefits,” he said.
Ultimately, Salami reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparency and credibility throughout the exercise, assuring Lagos residents that the Commission would continue to strengthen service delivery while safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
