The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated the display of the Preliminary Register of Voters (PRV) at Local Government Area (LGA) offices nationwide. This process is a standard component of Nigeria’s electoral system, intended to verify the accuracy of the voters’ register before upcoming elections.

The PRV display follows the completion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, during which eligible citizens registered as new voters or updated their information. INEC is instructing all individuals who participated in the CVR to visit their designated LGA offices to review their registration details.

The verification period allows registrants to confirm that their names and personal data have been correctly recorded. This step is necessary to identify and correct errors prior to the finalization of the voters’ register. INEC has indicated that another phase of the CVR will occur in the future, making the current display period a critical opportunity for data validation.

During the PRV display, voters are expected to examine their registration information for accuracy. If discrepancies are found,such as missing names, incorrect personal details, or incomplete records,affected individuals should submit a claim using forms provided at the LGA offices. This process is designed to ensure that the final register accurately reflects all eligible voters.

The exercise also permits members of the public to file objections regarding the eligibility of individuals listed in the register. Objections can be raised if there is evidence that a registrant is deceased, underage, not a Nigerian citizen, or otherwise ineligible to vote in that jurisdiction. This mechanism is intended to enhance the integrity of the register by removing ineligible entries.

The Claims and Objections period is time-limited. After this window closes, INEC will review all submissions and implement necessary corrections before finalizing the register. INEC has advised all eligible voters to participate in this process to ensure the register’s accuracy and reliability.

Summary of Voter Actions

1. Verify Registration Details

Voters should visit their nearest INEC LGA office to confirm that their names and personal information are correctly listed in the preliminary register. This step is essential to prevent issues during the election.

2. Submit Claims for Errors

If any of the following issues are identified, voters should file a claim using INEC’s official forms:

• Omission of name from the register
• Incorrect personal details (e.g., name, age, gender)
• Incomplete or missing essential information

3. File Objections for Ineligible Registrants

Objections may be submitted if there is evidence that a listed individual:

• Is deceased
• Is under 18 years of age
• Is not a Nigerian citizen
• Does not meet other legal requirements for registration

4. Adhere to Submission Deadlines

All claims and objections must be submitted within the period specified by INEC. Timely action is required to ensure that corrections are made before the register is finalized.

Conclusion

The display of the Preliminary Register of Voters is a procedural step to ensure the accuracy and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. Participation in this exercise enables the identification and correction of errors and the removal of ineligible entries. The accuracy of the voters’ register is a prerequisite for credible elections, and INEC’s process is structured to facilitate transparency and public accountability.