The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, shifting the deadline from July 10 to July 24, 2026, in a move aimed at giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of future elections.
The extension was announced on Friday by the Commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, following a review of the exercise and consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations and INEC’s state offices.
In addition to extending the registration period, INEC unveiled a new online self-service voter registration platform, which is scheduled to go live on July 8, 2026, through its Continuous Voter Registration portal.
According to the Commission, the new digital service will enable eligible first-time voters to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to visit an INEC office physically. The system is designed with identity verification, biometric validation and integrity checks to safeguard the credibility of the National Register of Voters.
INEC said the decision to extend the registration exercise reflects its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the voter register before future electoral activities.
The Commission urged citizens who have attained the age of 18 and those who are yet to register to take advantage of the additional two-week window. It also encouraged prospective voters to utilise the new technology-driven registration process once it becomes operational.
The Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which resumed in phases ahead of the 2027 general election, allows eligible Nigerians to register as first-time voters, while already registered voters can transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or update their personal information through INEC’s designated channels.
INEC said detailed guidance on using the self-service platform will be available on its dedicated CVR portal when the service is launched, reaffirming its commitment to making voter registration more accessible through technology while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
