Frequently Asked Questions

The Voter Biometric Revalidation Exercise is a nationwide programme by INEC to update and verify the biometric data (facial photographs) of all registered voters in Nigeria. It runs from April to August 2026 and is a mandatory requirement for all voters who registered before January 2024.

Nigeria's voter register has not been comprehensively verified since 2011. Over the years, the register has accumulated inaccuracies — outdated photographs, changed names, deceased voters, and voters who have moved to different locations. Revalidation ensures the register is clean, accurate, and biometrically verified before the 2027 General Elections, making the elections more credible and the accreditation process (using the BVAS machine) more reliable.

No. Revalidation is not a new registration and does not replace your existing PVC. Your current PVC remains valid. Revalidation updates the biometric data linked to your existing voter record in INEC's database, ensuring the BVAS machine can accurately identify you on election day.

Yes. Every registered voter who registered before January 2024 is required to revalidate. Voters who do not revalidate during this window will be removed from the verified register and will be unable to vote in the 2027 General Elections.

The exercise is conducted under INEC's mandate as established in Section 9 of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to maintain, revise, and update the register of voters on a continuous basis.

You must revalidate if you have not carried out a revalidation, card replacement, transfer, or update on the INEC CVR Portal since January 2024. This applies to the vast majority of Nigeria's 94 million registered voters. You can check your status at cvr.inecnigeria.org or by dialling *89980#.

No. If you registered as a new voter in 2024, your biometric data is already current and you do not need to revalidate at this time. However, you should confirm this by checking your status at cvr.inecnigeria.org or by dialling *89980#.

If you are registered but have never voted, you are still required to revalidate if you registered before January 2024. Revalidation is about updating your record in INEC's system — not about voting history.

Bring your Permanent Voter Card (PVC). If your PVC is lost or damaged, bring your National Identification Number (NIN) slip, or any valid government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, national ID card, international passport). Revalidation is completely FREE — do not pay anyone.

The actual revalidation process at the centre takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes for most voters. Wait times will depend on the number of people at your centre on the day. We recommend going early in the morning on a weekday.

All INEC revalidation points are open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. Centres are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Yes. You can complete the full revalidation process online at cvr.inecnigeria.org. You will need a device with a camera (computer, phone, or tablet), good lighting, and a clear background for your photograph. You can do this by yourself or be assisted by someone with your permission. Alternatively, you can still visit any INEC revalidation centre in person if you prefer.

If you choose to visit in person, an INEC officer will verify your identity using your PVC or NIN. Your facial photograph will be taken if outdated. You will receive a printed confirmation slip showing that revalidation is complete.

Yes. If your PVC is lost or damaged, attend your nearest INEC LGA office with your NIN slip or another valid government-issued photo ID. INEC will verify your registration using your NIN and update your biometric record. You may also apply for a replacement PVC during the same visit.

Attend your nearest INEC LGA office with your PVC, a sworn affidavit confirming the name change, and a supporting legal document (marriage certificate, court order, or deed of name change). INEC will update your record accordingly during revalidation.

If you have moved permanently, you may apply to transfer your voter registration to your new LGA. Attend the nearest INEC LGA office in your current location with your PVC and proof of current address. INEC will process the transfer. If your move is temporary, revalidate at your original polling unit or contact your INEC state office for guidance.

INEC has made the revalidation process fully accessible. Persons with Disabilities will receive dedicated support and priority attention at all INEC registration centres nationwide. For voters with severe mobility impairments who cannot travel to a centre, please contact your nearest INEC State Office or the National Orientation Agency (NOA) for home-visit support arrangements.

Elderly voters will receive priority service at all revalidation centres. Community ambassadors are being deployed in many LGAs to assist elderly voters with transportation and navigation to their nearest centre. Contact your LGA community liaison or local CSO partner for assistance. For those who genuinely cannot travel, contact your INEC State Office.

Yes. IDPs can revalidate at the nearest INEC office regardless of the LGA in which they originally registered. Bring any available identification (PVC, NIN, refugee documentation, or NGO-issued ID). INEC and its humanitarian partners are conducting dedicated revalidation activations at known IDP camp locations.

INEC will capture a fresh facial photograph (where your current image is outdated or unclear). This can be done online using your device camera or in person at a revalidation centre.

Your biometric data will be used solely for voter identification purposes during elections — specifically, for the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) used to verify voters on election day. Your data will be stored securely in INEC's encrypted database and will not be sold, shared with third parties, or used for any other purpose.

INEC is bound by Nigeria's National Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and processes all voter data in accordance with its provisions. Your data is stored in a secure, encrypted system accessible only to authorised INEC personnel. You have the right to request information about the data held on you by contacting INEC directly.

No. Revalidation is a purely administrative exercise to update and clean the voter register before the 2027 elections. It is being conducted for all 94 million registered voters across all political affiliations, states, and geopolitical zones. Your voter registration does not indicate how you vote — ballot voting remains secret. INEC is an independent constitutional body mandated to conduct free and fair elections, not to serve any political interest.

Yes. Revalidation is completely free of charge. You do not need to pay anyone — not INEC staff, not agents, not community facilitators — to complete your revalidation. If anyone asks you to pay, report them immediately to INEC or call the EFCC/ICPC.

If you are turned away without a valid reason, ask for the name and badge number of the officer. Contact the INEC State Office directly. You can also report the incident to a Civil Society Observer or contact the INEC national complaint line. Your right to revalidate cannot be denied without legal cause.

Revalidation requires your identity to be verified. While no one can revalidate on your behalf without your presence, you can be assisted by a family member, friend, or community volunteer when completing the process online — as long as you are present and give your permission. You can also assist others with their permission.

You will receive a printed confirmation slip from the INEC officer confirming that your revalidation is complete. Keep this slip. You can also verify your status online at cvr.inecnigeria.org after the exercise.

Voters who missed the revalidation window will be removed from the verified register. You will not be eligible to vote in the 2027 General Elections. INEC may conduct a supplementary exercise in exceptional circumstances, but no such extension is planned or guaranteed. This is why it is critical to revalidate before August 2026.