INEC Extends Nationwide Voter Registration by Two Weeks, Introduces Online Self-Service Portal

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of future elections.

The commission announced that the nationwide registration exercise, initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now conclude on July 24, 2026. According to INEC, the decision followed a review of the exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders.

The CVR exercise resumed nationwide in January 2026 after the completion of its first phase on December 10, 2025. The registration process originally began with an online pre-registration exercise in August 2025 before physical registration commenced across designated centres nationwide.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the extension demonstrates the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair opportunity to register and participate in future elections.

As part of efforts to improve accessibility, INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service voter registration platform for first-time voters.

According to Haruna, the platform will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the commission’s dedicated CVR portal, where applicants can access a step-by-step registration guide.

The new system will allow eligible Nigerians to complete their voter registration online without visiting an INEC office. Haruna explained that the platform incorporates identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the national voter register.

The commission urged Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and the newly introduced technology-driven registration option.

INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration exercise while leveraging technology to improve citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.