Step-by-Step Guide: How to Vote in Nigeria

Voting in Nigeria is your most powerful civic right. This guide walks you through the entire process from preparation to casting your ballot.

Before Election Day

1. Confirm your registration — Visit the INEC website or your local INEC office to confirm your name appears on the voter register.
2. Collect your PVC — Your Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) is mandatory. You cannot vote without it.
3. Know your polling unit — Find out the exact location of your assigned polling unit. Use the "Find PU" feature on this app or the MyPollingUnit mobile app to search by name or INEC code and get Google Maps directions!
4. Review the candidates — Study the candidates and parties contesting in your constituency. Make an informed choice.

On Election Day

1. Arrive early — Polling units open at 8:30 AM. Arrive before then to join the queue.
2. Bring your PVC — This is the only acceptable identification for voting.
3. Get accredited — INEC officials will verify your PVC using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). Your fingerprint or facial scan must match.
4. Receive your ballot paper(s) — Once accredited, you will receive the ballot paper for the election being held that day.
5. Mark your ballot in secret — Go to the voting cubicle. Use the stamp/ink pad provided to mark your preferred candidate. Do NOT let anyone see your choice.
6. Drop your ballot in the box — Fold your marked ballot paper and drop it into the correct ballot box.
7. Dip your finger in ink — Your finger will be marked with indelible ink to prevent double voting.
8. Stay and observe counting — You have the right to stay and watch the votes being counted at your polling unit.

Important Tips

• Voting ends at 2:30 PM, but anyone already in the queue by that time will be allowed to vote.
• You can only vote at the polling unit where you are registered.
• Mobile phones are allowed at the polling unit but you must not take photos of your marked ballot.
• If you need assistance due to disability, you may bring a person of your choice to help you vote.