INEC Extends Nationwide Voter Registration By Two Weeks, Launches Online Self-Service Registration For First-Time Voters

Abuja, Nigeria– The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and announced the introduction of an online self-service voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters as part of efforts to improve accessibility and expand participation in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The electoral commission disclosed the development in a press statement issued on Friday, July 3, 2026, and signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to the Commission, the decision to extend the exercise followed a review of the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise as well as feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

The nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise commenced on August 18, 2025, and was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026.

However, INEC said the exercise will now continue until Friday, July 24, 2026, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register.

The statement read,  “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform Nigerians that, following a review of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and feedbacks received from its State Offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, the Commission has approved a two-week extension of the exercise.

“As Nigerians are aware, the nationwide CVR exercise commenced on 18th August, 2025 and was originally scheduled to conclude on 10th July 2026. 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.”

INEC said the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair opportunity to be captured in the National Register of Voters ahead of future 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 ahead of future electoral activities,” the Commission stated.

Meanwhile, INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service online voter registration option specifically designed for eligible first-time voters.

According to the Commission, the new platform will become operational from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through its dedicated Continuous Voter Registration portal.

“The new service will become available from Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal where the step-by-step guide is also provided,” Haruna said.

INEC explained that the online self-service registration option would allow eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without physically visiting any INEC office.

The Commission noted that the digital platform has been designed with multiple security safeguards to protect the integrity of the voter register.

“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 system incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters,” he added.

INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register as voters to take advantage of the extended registration period and embrace the newly introduced technology-driven registration option.

“The Commission urges all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of this extended window and explore the new voter registration technology 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.