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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has warned against double and under age registration during voter registration exercises, saying it is criminal to do so.
The Commission which also stated the significance of continuous voter registration exercise said the process enables eligible Nigerians to exercise their franchise during elections.
The Bayelsa State Resident Electoral Commissioner(REC), Mal. Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe stated this on Monday during a Press conference the Commission held to inform the public of the commencement of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), begining from August 18, 2025.
The electoral Chief noted that Online Pre-registration will kick-start through its official portal: http://crv.inecnigera.org., saying that the portal will enable those who have attained age 18 who have not registered, those who lost/damaged their PVCs and who are desirous of updating their information and those who wish to transfer their voting locations to register.
INEC however, noted that upon doing the pre-registration online, same must be validated in the approved designated centres across the state, while In-Person/Physical registration kicks-off on Sunday, August 25, 2025 at all the Local Government Area Registration Centres across the State.
INEC said: “Voter registration isn’t only a fundamental right, but also a duty of every eligible citizen of Nigeria. No individual can vote in an election unless they’re duly registered to do so. INEC urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and haven’t yet registered to seize this opportunity. Your permanent voter’s card(PVC) is your voice and power. Without it, you’re excluded from the nation-building process and decision-making.
“The right to register and vote is guaranteed under section 77(2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) which states: ” Every citizen of Nigeria who has attained the age of eighteen years residing in Nigeria at the time of registration of voters for purposes of election to a legislative house shall be entitled to be registered as a voter.
“Double registration is an attempt by an individual to register more than once, and therefore remains a serious concern. Once you’ve been issued a PVC or previously completed the registration process, you don’t need to register again. Attempting to do so is an offense punishable under the law. Specifically, section 114(b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration.
“Penalties for double registration include a fine, imprisonment or both. However, it’s important to note that INEC ‘s automated biometric identification system(ABIS) is designed to detect multiple registrations, and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once”.
Fielding questions from newsmen on the number of unclaimed Permanent Voter’s Cards(PVCs) in the state during the last election circle, the Commission’s management hinted that about 34,000 of them were still remaining in the office unclaimed, saying that INEC was willing to partner all stakeholders to informing and educating citizens on the need to have their PVCs during elections.
“Those registered to vote, but who haven’t collected their PVCs have automatically disenfranchised themselves. We’ve about 34,000 unclaimed PVCs in our office here in Yenagoa.
“We’ll continue to partner stakeholders to inform and enlighten eligible citizens on the need to have their PVCs.
The electoral umpire enjoined community leaders and other stakeholders to caution their underage children and wards from registration, saying they were not permitted by law to register as there are consequences of such illegal acts.
The Commission added that: “Individuals below the legal voting age of 18 aren’t permitted by law to register as voters. The rules are clear. Only Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above at the time of registration are eligible to register.
“Registering Minors is both illegal and unethical. It undermines the integrity of the electoral system, violates the constitution and constitutes an offense, and there’re consequences”.
