INEC extends continuous voter registration by 2 weeks, introduces online self-service
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By saiah Adewole
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.
The Commission announced the extension in a press release issued on Friday, saying the decision followed “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.”
According to INEC, the extension is intended to give more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of future elections.
“The Commission has approved a two-week extension of the exercise,” the statement read, adding that “the Commission has extended the exercise to Friday, 24th July 2026.”
INEC noted that the nationwide CVR exercise began on August 18, 2025, and reiterated that 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 electoral body also announced the introduction of a self-service online voter registration platform for first-time voters as part of efforts to improve accessibility and service delivery.
According to the Commission, the new service will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through its dedicated CVR 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,” the statement said.
INEC explained that 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.”
It added that 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 Commission urged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extension and the newly introduced technology.
“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.
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