The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has begun a national-level Training of Trainers (ToT) programme at The Electoral Institute (TEI) in Abuja as part of preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The training, which started on Monday, 28th July 2025, is designed to equip master trainers with legal and technical knowledge needed for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The trainers are expected to transfer their knowledge to Registration Officers (ROs) at the state and local government levels, forming a key part of INEC’s strategy to ensure a smooth, inclusive, and technologically advanced voter registration process.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, represented by Barrister Nwanneka Nwala, emphasized the centrality of the CVR process in achieving electoral integrity.
He said, “The CVR exercise is the first key activity in the electoral cycle. Free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent elections begin with a credible Register of Voters.”
According to Prof. Zuru, the online phase of the CVR will begin on Monday, 18th August 2025, while physical registration will commence one week later, on Monday, 25th August 2025. He explained that the training is an essential step to ensure that INEC personnel possess both the legal understanding and technical skills needed for a credible and seamless voter registration exercise.
Prof. Zuru disclosed several innovations to the CVR process, including digitisation features that allow eligible Nigerians to start their registration online and complete it later at a scheduled location and time.
“This innovation is aimed at easing voter enrolment and decongesting registration centres,” he noted, pointing out that it will also boost access and inclusion, two critical goals for INEC.
The training programme covers the use of the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) and its accessories. Participants are also being trained on the Electoral Act 2022, the CVR Guidelines, and other related regulations to ensure compliance with the law throughout the process.
“There is no shortcut to success,” Prof. Zuru stated. “The only way to guarantee optimum performance by our ROs is through sustained and thorough training. You must therefore commit yourselves fully to this process.”
He also praised the support of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and other commissioners for endorsing the training and ensuring it goes ahead with full backing.
“This is not just another training programme,” he said, urging participants to take their roles seriously. “It is a shared responsibility in delivering transparent, credible, acceptable, and inclusive elections.”
The training programme is coordinated by The Electoral Institute and reflects INEC’s broader commitment to deploying improved technology and well-trained personnel.
These steps are designed to build public trust and encourage greater participation in Nigeria’s democratic process while ensuring a secure, accurate, and transparent voter registration experience.
