Akwa Ibom voter registration portal opens August 18 for online and physical processes ahead of the 2027 elections, warns INEC against multiple entries
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Akwa Ibom voter registration will begin on 18 August 2025 ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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The process will start online through the commission’s registration portal before physical verification begins later in the month.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Akwa Ibom, Mr Obo Effanga, disclosed this during his first official press briefing held at the INEC state office in Uyo on Wednesday.
He explained that the process will mirror what was done before the 2023 elections, using the same pre-registration portal.
“From the 18th of August, people can go online and begin the registration. Then, they will need to come to our offices for their photographs and fingerprints,” Effanga said.
He urged residents to take advantage of the online platform to avoid unnecessary queues, noting that the portal allows for new registrations, data corrections, change of polling units and card transfers.
Those who want to move their registration from one area to another, correct errors, or update personal details can do so from home.
According to him, physical registration at INEC local government offices will commence on 25 August.
“If you want to migrate from one polling unit to another, you can do that online. But if you prefer to come to us physically, you can do that from the 25th,” he added.
The electoral commissioner explained that the exercise is also open to those who have lost their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or never collected them.
He stated that affected individuals can request for reprints instead of attempting a new registration, which could result in disqualification.
“Multiple registrations will be invalidated. If you lose your card, just come to the office for reprint. Don’t try to register again,” Effanga warned.
The initiative, he said, is part of INEC’s ongoing effort to ensure inclusiveness, improve electoral transparency and strengthen voter confidence.
He added that this continuous registration process will run in phases and that the Commission hopes to record higher voter participation from the state.
“This is a golden opportunity for people to update their details and confirm their eligibility ahead of 2027. Let no one be left behind,” Effanga stressed.
The Commission also urged those who started the process previously but did not complete it to visit any INEC office in the state to finalise their application by submitting biometrics.
He clarified that no registration will be considered valid unless all stages are completed.
The Akwa Ibom INEC office assured the public that adequate equipment and personnel will be available during both online and physical phases.
While the online option offers ease of access, the Commission noted that physical presence is still necessary for final confirmation.
INEC encouraged citizens to monitor their registration status and advised community leaders and youth organisations to mobilise people to participate.
As the countdown to the 2027 elections begins, the success of the Akwa Ibom voter registration is expected to shape voter preparedness and turnout in the state, which has historically been one of the most politically active in the South-South.
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“We are not just building a register; we are laying the groundwork for credible and inclusive elections,” Effanga concluded.
