BREAKING: INEC Announces Age For Ongoing Voter Registration

INEC has announced age for ongoing voter registration in Nigeria.

NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that only Nigerians who are 18 years and above are eligible to register as voters in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

This Nigeria news platform understands that the clarification was made by INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Suleiman, in Gashua on Thursday.

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Responding to the Emir’s inquiry on whether 16 or 17-year-olds could register ahead of the 2027 elections, Abdullahi stressed that the Electoral Act strictly permits registration only for citizens aged 18 and above.

“Only eligible citizens of 18 years and above are allowed to register and vote under the Electoral Act,” the REC stated.

He emphasized that voter registration plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of elections, adding that INEC is mandated by law to collaborate with stakeholders in reviewing and updating the voter register before every election.

Abdullahi disclosed that online registration commenced on August 18, while physical registration is scheduled to begin on August 25 across INEC offices in all 17 local government areas of Yobe State.

He explained that the CVR exercise targets residents who have never registered, those who recently turned 18, individuals with issues related to their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and voters who wish to change their polling units.

The REC further called on the Emir to support INEC’s awareness campaign to ensure wide participation and successful voter registration in the state.