The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and introduced an online self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters.
INEC announced the decisions in a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the commission, the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The nationwide CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. It has now been extended to Friday, July 24, 2026, giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of future elections.
The exercise is expected to be the final major voter registration exercise before the 2027 general elections.
“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.
INEC also announced the launch of an online self-service portal that will enable eligible Nigerians to begin and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
The commission said users would have access to a step-by-step guide on the portal to help them complete the process.
According to INEC, the platform incorporates “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”
The electoral body urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration period 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,” the statement added.
