The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a self-service online voter registration platform to enable eligible first-time voters to register more conveniently as part of efforts to improve accessibility, service delivery and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, announced the initiative during a press briefing on Tuesday in Lafia.
He said the platform would become operational on Wednesday, July 8, through the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal, where eligible Nigerians can access step-by-step registration guidelines.
According to him, the new platform allows first-time voters to initiate and complete the voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to visit an INEC office.
Abubakar-Sadiq explained that the system is equipped with robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to ensure the credibility, accuracy and integrity of the National Register of Voters.
He said the initiative reflects the Commission’s commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and make voter registration more accessible.
The REC, however, clarified that applicants seeking to complete an ongoing physical registration, transfer their voting location or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would still be required to visit designated INEC registration centres.
He also announced that the Commission had approved a two-week extension of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
According to him, the third and final phase of the exercise, originally scheduled to end on July 10, will now close on July 26.
Abubakar-Sadiq said the extension followed a review of the exercise nationwide and consultations with INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.
