Good Governance Team Advocate Mass Participation in Voters Registration

Good Governance Team, (GGT), a Nigerian civil society policy advocacy and research platform framed on the need to translate civic education into voluntary citizenry actions, and dedicated to promote transparency, accountability and good governance, has urged eligible Nigerians to participate en-mass in the continuous voter registration (CVR) scheduled to commence on Monday August 18, 2025, as announced recently by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). 

GGT-Nigeria, which has made invaluable contributions to several civic engagements for constitutional amendments, legislative electoral reforms and regulatory policy advocacy towards deepening democratic governance for development in Nigeria since 2008,  said Nigeria stands on the threshold of another significant democratic transition according to a statement released by the GGT Team Lead, Tunde SALMAN. 

Full text of the release below:

Towards a credible 2027 General Election: Addressing Electoral Challenges and Strengthening Voter Participation

As Nigeria stands on the threshold of another significant democratic transition, the need for a credible, peaceful, and inclusive electoral process remains critical. Hence, the upcoming CVR exercise for the 2027 General Elections will officially commence on August 18, 2025, with physical registration beginning on August 25, 2025, across all 774 local government areas and 37 state/FCT offices. This is timely and a welcome development, as it offers a crucial opportunity to address some of the systemic flaws that have hindered past elections and to ensure that every eligible Nigerian is given the chance to participate in shaping the future of the country. 

Tunde SALMAN, Team Lead, GGT

Nigeria electoral history has been marked by a mixture of progress and persistent challenges. Despite efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and implement electoral reforms, issues such as low voter turnout, widespread violence, vote buying, and disinformation continue to undermine the integrity of the process. These challenges not only waken public trust in the electoral system but also erode the democratic value upon which the nation’s future depends. 

The commencement of the CVR ahead of the 2027 general elections is a critical step toward correcting these deficiencies. It is an opportunity for INEC, government agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, the media, and citizens to work collaboratively toward enhancing voter participation and safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process. However, the success of this exercise will depend on how well it is implemented and how effectively it addresses long-standing barriers to credible elections in Nigeria. 

Mahmud Yakubu, INEC Chair 

One of the foremost issues facing Nigeria’s electoral process is the low level of political awareness and voter education, especially among youths and marginalized communities. Millions of Nigerians are unaware of the importance of voter registration or how to ho about the process. Many do not understand the power their votes hold or believe that their participation can make a difference. This growing sense of disillusionment and political disengagement must be reversed through sustained, grassroot-based voter education campaigns. INEC must work closely with traditional institutions, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the media to deliver consistent and culturally sensitive awareness campaigns that inform and motivate citizens to register and vote. 

The security situation in many parts of the country continues to pose a serious threat to both voter registration and election day participation. Insecurity, especially in the North-East, North-West, and parts of the South-East, has discouraged citizens from engaging with the electoral process due to fears of violence, kidnapping, and intimidation. INEC and security agencies must develop a coordinated strategy to provide adequate protection for registrants, electoral staff, and facilities, especially in high-risk areas. It is essential that people feel safe enough to participate in the CVR and subsequent election activities. 

The technical and administrative capacity of INEC to manage a registration exercise of this scale. In past elections, issues such as malfunctioning biometric equipment, poor data management, late delivery of materials, and long queues have discouraged many from completing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). For the 2027 elections, INEC must ensure that its technological systems are robust, well-tested, and resilient. It must also expand its infrastructure and personnel to accommodate the growing number of eligible voters, particularly with an estimated 4.5 million Nigerians turning 18 annually per INEC's data. Moreover, INEC must make efforts to ensure the registration as seamless as possible. The introduction of an online pre-registration portal is commendable, but this must be supported by strong internet infrastructure and digital literacy campaigns to help rural and underprivileged citizens navigate the process. INEC’s proposed CVR Live Locator, scheduled to go live on August 17, 2025, is also a step in the right direction, and it should be widely publicized to ensure that citizens can easily find their nearest registration centers. 

Ultimately, the success of the 2027 elections depends not just on the actions of INEC, but on the collective will and effort of all Nigerians. We must all take responsibility for the future we seek. The future begins with ensuring that every eligible citizen is registered to vote. It continues with sustained engagement, peaceful conduct, and an unshakable commitment to the democratic ideals of fairness, justice, and accountability. 

In conclusion, we urge all Nigerians to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise beginning August 18, 2025. Let this be a season of civic revival. Let this be a turning point in our democratic journey. Let us rise above the challenges of the past and work together to deliver elections that truly reflect the will of the people. A credible, inclusive, and peaceful 2027 general election is possible and it starts with you.