2027: YPP Raises Concern over Citizens’ Exclusion, Urges Extension of Voter Registration

The Young Progressive Party (YPP) has expressed worry over citizens who have not yet registered to vote, and has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prolong the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) campaign. The party’s chairman for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Hon. Abraham Simon Adedotun, and the FCT senatorial aspirant, Blessing Ufedojo Benyeogor, made this call recently and asked INEC to reconsider ending the registration process, giving citizens another chance to register.

Both Adedotun and Benyeogor claimed that discontinuing the CVR could prevent many Nigerians, especially young people, from taking part in the 2027 general elections. The Commission originally planned to run the 2025–2026 CVR until August 30, 2026, but later extended the deadline, then again extended it to July 26, 2026. On July 26, INEC announced the registration exercise would close, urging those who hadn’t registered to use the remaining time.

They ruled out another extension, as further delays could impact preparations for the 2027 elections. INEC also launched an online registration option during the final phase, allowing first-time voters to complete the process electronically. This is not the first time other political players and civil society groups have voiced concerns over voter registration access.

They urged INEC to consider appeals from citizens who couldn’t register and suggested measures to prevent eligible voters from being left out of the electoral process. With preparations for the 2027 elections ongoing, the issue of voter registration is expected to remain a key concern, particularly in ensuring widespread voter turnout and maintaining public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.