INEC Extends Continuous Voter Registration by Two Weeks

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a two-week extension of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, giving eligible Nigerians additional time to register ahead of future elections.

The exercise, which was initially scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026, will now end on Friday, July 24, 2026.

The announcement was made in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to Haruna, the decision followed a review of the registration exercise and consultations with INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.

He explained that the extension is intended to provide another opportunity for eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered since the exercise commenced on August 18, 2025.

INEC said the move reflects its commitment to ensuring that every qualified citizen has adequate access to the voter registration process.

In addition to the extension, the commission unveiled a new self-service online voter registration platform for first-time registrants.

The service is expected to become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the commission's dedicated CVR portal, where users will have access to detailed registration guidelines.

According to INEC, the digital platform will enable eligible Nigerians to begin and complete the registration process—including biometric capture—using their personal devices without the need to visit an INEC office physically.

The commission noted that the new system incorporates identity verification, biometric validation and other integrity checks designed to safeguard the accuracy and credibility of the National Register of Voters.

INEC encouraged all eligible citizens who have yet to register to make use of the extended registration period and take advantage of the newly introduced technology.

The electoral body reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive, transparent and technology-driven voter registration system that improves citizens' participation in Nigeria's democratic process.