The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ramped up preparations for key electoral activities across the country, as it continues strategic consultations with major political stakeholders. On Day 2 of its high-level engagements, the Commission met with leaders of all registered political parties to unveil critical updates on bye-elections, Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), and the fast-approaching Anambra State Governorship election.
Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, INEC announced a series of significant decisions following the consultative meeting. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, in his opening remarks, outlined the Commission’s electoral roadmap, reiterating its commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and credible democratic processes.
Bye-Elections Scheduled Across 12 States
In one of the most crucial announcements, Prof. Yakubu disclosed that INEC has scheduled bye-elections for Saturday, August 16, 2025, across 16 constituencies in 12 states. A total of 3,553,659 registered voters are expected to participate, with the elections set to take place in 32 Local Government Areas, 356 Wards, and 6,987 Polling Units. The Commission will mobilize a formidable workforce of 30,451 election officials to ensure smooth execution.
However, the Commission clarified that no elections will hold in the Khana II State Constituency of Rivers State, due to a prevailing state of emergency, and in Talata Mafara South State Constituency of Zamfara State, where a legal tussle surrounds the declaration of vacancy by the State Assembly.
The INEC Chairman underscored the tight timeline for the conduct of these bye-elections. He announced that party primaries must be concluded between July 17 and 21, while the submission of nomination forms via the INEC online portal will begin at 9:00 a.m. on July 22 and close at 6:00 p.m. on July 26. Public campaigns are officially permitted between August 2 and August 14, 2025.
Nationwide CVR Rollout Begins
Further underscoring the Commission’s proactive stance, Prof. Yakubu revealed that INEC has approved the resumption of Continuous Voter Registration at two levels — nationwide and state-specific — to ensure broader participation and enfranchisement.
In Anambra State, where preparations are in top gear for the governorship election, INEC will conduct CVR in all 326 Wards from July 8 to 17, 2025, operating daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., including weekends. This move aims to provide ample opportunity for new voters to register, while allowing existing voters to update their details and collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
INEC also confirmed that the nationwide CVR exercise will run concurrently, enabling eligible citizens across the country to participate in the electoral process ahead of future elections.
Prof. Yakubu reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to conducting free, fair, and credible elections. He urged political parties to adhere strictly to the electoral timeline and avoid actions that could disrupt the process.
With these decisive announcements, INEC has set the stage for a pivotal electoral season. The Commission’s outreach to political stakeholders signals a renewed commitment to deepening democratic governance and enhancing citizen participation in Nigeria’s electoral journey.
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