The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced phase two of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Akwa Ibom State, covering 31 Local Government Area offices.
The exercise began on January 5, 2026, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Obo Effanga, announced in a statement from Uyo on Tuesday.
Effanga warned that individuals who completed their registration during the first phase, which ended on December 10, 2025, or whose names were already on the voter register as of the 2023 general election, should not register again, cautioning that double registration is a punishable offence under Section 23 of the Electoral Act 2022. The law also addresses penalties for attempts to induce registration officers, providing false information, or disrupting the registration process.
All 32 registration centres, including the state headquarters and LGA offices, opened promptly at 9 a.m. on Monday to mark the start of phase two. The REC emphasised that the current phase offers an opportunity for eligible citizens who missed phase one to register. Registration centres will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., except on weekends and public holidays.
Eligible participants include individuals who have attained 18 years of age and have not previously registered, those seeking replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), voters wishing to transfer registration to new locations, and persons needing to correct or update voter information, such as names or addresses.
Effanga assured that all necessary measures have been put in place to facilitate a smooth and efficient registration process across the state.
