“We’ve Been Waiting for Hours” – Network Failures Disrupt Voter Registration at INEC Offices as Nigerians Raise Concerns

• Nigerians across several states have reported persistent network failures at INEC offices during the ongoing voter registration exercise, causing delays and frustration.
• The situation has triggered calls for an extension of the registration deadline and raised concerns about the commission’s technical preparedness.

Fresh concerns have emerged across Nigeria as prospective voters continue to report persistent network failures at offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The registration exercise, which is scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, covers first-time voter registration, voter card replacements, and updates of voter information. However, many Nigerians have complained that recurring network issues are making it difficult to complete the process.

Reports from several states, including Rivers, Oyo, and Lagos, indicate that applicants are often told by officials that registration cannot proceed due to network outages.

Videos and accounts shared online showed long queues of frustrated applicants waiting for hours at registration centres, with some claiming the problem has persisted for days.

The situation has sparked criticism from some Nigerians who questioned why such challenges continue despite significant investments in election technology ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Others expressed fears that the recurring disruptions could discourage eligible citizens from registering to vote before the deadline.

Reacting online, several Nigerians called on INEC to extend the voter registration deadline to accommodate those affected by the reported network failures.

Some critics also argued that the commission should provide a clear explanation for the repeated technical issues and reassure citizens that similar challenges would not affect future elections.

Despite the frustrations, many applicants said they remain determined to complete their registration and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the exercise closes.

INEC has repeatedly encouraged eligible Nigerians to register early, although concerns over the reported network difficulties continue to generate debate across social media.

This is what people are going their at INEC office, every single day, network problem everywhere , every single day…. It’s a pattern💔💔 pic.twitter.com/Dg8G0mkwZ3

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) June 8, 2026