INEC Extends Voter Registration, Introduces Online Self-Service

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, shifting the closing date from July 10 to July 24, 2026.

The commission also announced a new self-service online registration platform that will allow eligible first-time voters to complete the registration process using their personal devices.

The announcement was made on Friday in Abuja by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna. He said the decision followed an assessment of the registration exercise and feedback received from INEC offices across the country, political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders.

According to the commission, the extension is intended to give more eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered enough time to be captured before future elections. INEC said the move reflects its effort to make the voter registration process more accessible and ensure that qualified citizens are not left out of the national voters’ register.

The commission also disclosed that a self-service online registration option will become available on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through its Continuous Voter Registration portal. It said the website will contain instructions to guide applicants through the registration process.

INEC explained that the new system will enable eligible first-time voters to begin and complete their registration, including biometric capture, without visiting any of its offices. The commission added that the platform has built-in identity verification, biometric validation and other security measures to protect the integrity of the National Register of Voters.

The electoral body encouraged all eligible Nigerians who have not registered to use the additional time provided and take advantage of the new online registration option. It added that it remains committed to providing a voter registration process that is credible, inclusive and supported by technology to improve public access and convenience.