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By Tracy Moses
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State, recording an impressive 168,187 new voter registrations ahead of the November 2025 governorship poll.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, July 24, 2025, by Sam Olumekun, mni, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee. According to the statement, the exercise, initially slated to end on July 17, was extended until July 29 following appeals from stakeholders across the state.
INEC noted that the provisional figure represents the highest two-week CVR turnout since the process began in the state before the 2017 governorship election. A demographic analysis of the new registrants shows that 97,832 (58%) are women and 70,355 (42%) are men. The youth demographic (ages 18–34) dominated the exercise with 90,763 registrants, accounting for 53.97%.
Regarding occupational distribution, 62,157 (36.92%) identified as traders or business owners, while 44,243 (26.31%) are students. Among Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), 303 (24.92%) reported physical disabilities, and 207 (17.02%) identified as having albinism. A complete demographic and occupational breakdown is accessible via the Commission’s official website and social media channels.
The Commission further announced that the preliminary voter register will be displayed for public inspection, including claims and objections, across all 326 Wards in Anambra State from Saturday, July 26 to Friday, August 1, 2025. After this period and the completion of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) process, valid registrants will be integrated into the existing voter database and organized by Polling Units.
INEC assured that it will soon release the schedule for collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by those newly registered, as well as individuals who requested transfers or replacements. Cards from previous registration rounds will also be made available. With just 105 days to the gubernatorial election, the Commission emphasized its determination to ensure all registered voters receive their PVCs promptly.
Update on Political Party Registration
In a related development, INEC disclosed that it has concluded internal testing of a new online platform developed by its ICT Department for political party registration. The portal, which was successfully demonstrated, has now been approved for use.
The Commission stated it is currently reviewing several letters of intent submitted by groups seeking to become registered political parties. Only associations that fulfill the constitutional and legal requirements will be invited to move forward with formal applications. A full report on the registration process is expected during INEC’s upcoming weekly meeting.
As of the latest update, 10 more groups have submitted letters of intent, raising the total number of applicants to 144. Details of these new applicants, including their proposed names, acronyms, logos, contact information, and interim leadership structures, have been published on INEC’s official online platforms.
INEC reaffirmed its dedication to transparency and timely public communication as preparations continue for the Anambra election and other major electoral activities.