INEC Kicks Off Nationwide Training Ahead of 2027 Elections, Online Voter Registration Begins August 18
As part of early preparations for the 2027 General Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced a national-level Training of Trainers (ToT) at The Electoral Institute (TEI) in Abuja.
The training, which began on Monday, July 28, 2025, is designed to equip master trainers with the legal and technical knowledge necessary for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. These trainers will, in turn, train Registration Officers (ROs) across states and local government areas.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, was represented by Barr. Nwanneka Nwala emphasized the importance of the CVR as the foundation of credible elections.
“The CVR exercise is the first key activity in the electoral cycle. Free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections begin with a credible Register of Voters,” he said.
Key Dates for CVR
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Online Registration Begins: Monday, August 18, 2025
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Physical Registration Starts: Monday, August 25, 2025
Prof. Zuru explained that the training aims to ensure that INEC personnel have a firm grasp of both legal guidelines and technical procedures necessary for smooth voter registration.
New Innovations Introduced
INEC is introducing several technological upgrades to streamline the CVR process:
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Start Online, Finish In-Person: Eligible Nigerians can begin registration online and complete it at a scheduled physical center.
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Digitized Systems: The INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and its accessories will be deployed for data capture.
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Decongested Centres: The new system aims to reduce overcrowding at registration centres and increase accessibility for voters.
“These innovations are aimed at easing voter enrolment and boosting inclusivity, two critical goals for the commission,” Prof. Zuru noted.
Participants are being trained on the Electoral Act 2022, CVR Guidelines, and other related legal frameworks to ensure compliance with electoral laws.
“There’s no shortcut to success. The only way to guarantee optimum performance by our ROs is through sustained and thorough training,” Prof. Zuru added, encouraging participants to give their full commitment.
He also praised INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other National Commissioners for backing the initiative and ensuring it receives the necessary support.
“This is not just another training programme,” he said. “It’s a shared responsibility to deliver transparent, credible, and inclusive elections.”
Building Trust Ahead of 2027
This training exercise, coordinated by The Electoral Institute, is one of INEC’s many steps toward ensuring a more secure, transparent, and technology-driven electoral process. With improved tools and skilled manpower, INEC aims to enhance public trust and increase voter participation across Nigeria.
As the 2027 elections approach, the commission’s early and strategic preparations reflect a renewed commitment to strengthening democracy through credible voter registration and well-executed electoral processes.
