The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks to enable more eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections.
The nationwide registration exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.
Announcing the extension in a statement on Friday, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision followed feedback from the commission’s state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to him, the voter registration exercise will now close on Friday, July 24, 2026, providing additional time for eligible citizens who have yet to register.
Haruna said the extension reflects the commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities.
He also announced the introduction of an online self-service voter registration platform for first-time voters as part of INEC’s efforts to improve accessibility and service delivery.
The new platform, which will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, will allow eligible citizens to begin and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
According to the commission, the system features comprehensive identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks designed to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
Haruna said the online registration portal will be accessible through INEC’s dedicated CVR platform, where users can also find a step-by-step guide to complete the registration process.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive and technology-driven voter registration exercise, urging all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extension and the newly introduced online registration option.
