INEC Releases Election Timetable, Begins Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its official schedule for key elections across Nigeria in 2025 and 2026, along with plans to resume Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across the country.

Speaking at a consultative session with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, unveiled the electoral calendar which includes five major elections. These are: bye-elections in 12 states on August 16, 2025, the Anambra State Governorship Election on November 8, 2025, FCT Area Council elections on February 21, 2026, followed by the Ekiti and Osun Governorship polls on June 20 and August 8, 2026, respectively.

To prepare for these elections, INEC will relaunch the CVR exercise. Online pre-registration opens on August 18, 2025, while physical registration at designated centers will begin on August 25. However, Anambra State will commence its registration earlier, starting next week in all 326 wards to meet legal requirements ahead of its election.

Professor Yakubu also introduced two new National Commissioners and six newly sworn-in RECs, charging them to be proactive and take initiative in managing electoral processes. He reminded officials that election duties are continuous and must not be treated as seasonal.

On electoral legal matters, Yakubu disclosed that the Commission is finalizing additional guidelines to clarify the application of Section 65 of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly regarding result reviews. The updated rules will be made public within the week to enhance transparency.

The meeting followed earlier engagements with political parties, civil society groups, media professionals, and security agencies as INEC intensifies preparations for improved electoral operations nationwide.