INEC Extends Voter Registration By Two Weeks, Unveils Online Self-Service
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has approved a two-week extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and announced the introduction of a self-service online registration platform for first-time voters.
The electoral body disclosed this in a press release dated July 3, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the Commission, the decision followed a review of the nationwide CVR exercise and feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
INEC stated that although the nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, it has now been extended to Friday, July 24, 2026, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections.
"The Commission has approved a two-week extension of the exercise," the statement said.
It added, "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 Commission said the extension demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has "a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities."
INEC also unveiled a self-service voter registration option for eligible first-time voters as part of efforts to improve service delivery and expand access to the registration process.
According to the statement, the new platform will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the Commission's dedicated CVR portal.
"The self-service option will enable eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without having to physically visit an INEC office," the Commission stated.
It explained that the platform incorporates identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and embrace the new technology-driven registration process.
“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.