By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, from the previous deadline of July 10 to July 24.
The electoral commission also introduced an online self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters from July 8.
INEC disclosed this in a statement on Friday, July 3, signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
It said the decision followed a review of the ongoing exercise and feedback from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
The commission said the extension of the nationwide CVR, which commenced on August 18, 2025, is to give more eligible citizens the opportunity to register ahead of future elections.
“In order to provide additional opportunity for eligible citizens who are yet to register, the Commission has extended the exercise to Friday, 24th July 2026.
“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters,” the statement said.
According to INEC, the roll out of a self-service online registration portal for first-time voters would commence from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, as part of its commitment to innovation and accessibility.
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It added that the portal would allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
According to INEC, the system has “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and the new online option.
“The Commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process,” Haruna stated.
The final phase of the CVR is expected to be the last major registration exercise before the 2027 general elections.
