Amadi faults INEC over early closure of voter registration

The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ending the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise months before the 2027 general elections.

 

Speaking on Arise Television on Sunday, Amadi argued that voter registration should remain open until about one month before the elections to allow more eligible Nigerians to participate in the electoral process.

 

According to him, although INEC has made notable improvements in recent years, the commission still relies on outdated administrative processes.

 

“Closing voter registration nearly seven months before an election is unreasonable.

 

“It prevents many young Nigerians who turn 18 before Election Day from registering to vote, effectively denying them the opportunity to participate until the next election cycle,” he said.

 

His comments come after INEC reaffirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise ended on Sunday, July 26, 2026, urging eligible Nigerians to use the final opportunity to register or update their voter information.

 

The electoral commission has maintained that the deadline is necessary to allow for data cleaning, biometric verification, claims and objections, and other preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.