Voter Registration & Election Day Guide
Everything you need to know to register, prepare for, and participate in Nigerian elections.
How to register to vote
Voter registration in Nigeria is managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
- 1
Pre-register online
Visit the INEC CVR portal at cvr.inecnigeria.org to fill in your details and book an appointment at your nearest registration centre.
- 2
Visit a registration centre
Go to your designated INEC registration centre (usually your LGA INEC office) on your appointment date. Bring a valid ID and proof of address.
- 3
Biometric capture
INEC will capture your fingerprints, photograph, and other biometric data. This takes about 10-15 minutes.
- 4
Collect your PVC
Your Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) will be ready for collection at the same INEC office. Check INEC's website or call your LGA office for collection dates.
Important
You must register at a centre within your state/LGA of residence. You can only vote at the polling unit where you registered.
What you need
For registration
- A valid government-issued ID (NIN slip, national ID card, international passport, or driver's licence)
- Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement, or tenancy agreement)
- Your National Identification Number (NIN) — mandatory since 2021
For election day
- Your Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) — this is the only acceptable ID at the polling unit
- Know your polling unit number and location (check on INEC's voter status portal)
Tip
Check your voter status and polling unit at voters.inecnigeria.org
What happens on election day
- 1
Arrive early
Polling units open at 8:30 AM and close at 2:30 PM. Arrive early — if you are in the queue by 2:30 PM, you will be allowed to vote.
- 2
Accreditation
Present your PVC to the polling officer. Your identity is verified using INEC's Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) — fingerprint and facial recognition.
- 3
Receive your ballot
After accreditation, you receive a ballot paper. Each election (Presidential, Governorship, Senate, House of Reps) has a separate ballot with a different colour.
- 4
Mark your choice
Go to the voting cubicle. Mark your preferred candidate's box with a thumbprint using the ink pad provided. Fold the ballot and put it in the ballot box.
- 5
Results
Counting happens at the polling unit immediately after voting closes. Results are announced publicly at the polling unit, then transmitted electronically via the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
Important
Movement is restricted on election day. No vehicular movement is allowed except for emergency services and accredited election officials. Plan to walk to your polling unit.
Your rights as a voter
Secret ballot
Your vote is private. Nobody can see who you voted for. The voting cubicle ensures secrecy.
Free from intimidation
It is a criminal offence for anyone to intimidate, threaten, or coerce you regarding your vote.
Assistance if needed
Voters with disabilities or who cannot read may request assistance from a person of their choice.
Report irregularities
You can report electoral offences to INEC, the police, or civil society election observers.
Observe the count
You have the right to remain at the polling unit to watch vote counting and result announcement.
Challenge results
Election results can be challenged through the Election Petition Tribunal within 21 days.
Key contacts & resources
Know who you're voting for
Look up every elected official who represents you — senators, HOR members, your governor.
Find my representatives