By Tony Ezike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians until Friday, July 24, 2026, to register as voters.
The Commission announced the extension in a press release issued on Friday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), stating that the decision followed a review of the exercise and consultations with INEC State Offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders.
The nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. According to the Commission, the extension is aimed at providing additional opportunities for eligible Nigerians who have yet to register ahead of future elections.
INEC said the decision reflects its commitment to ensuring that every qualified citizen has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters.
In a significant technological advancement, the electoral body also announced the introduction of a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters. The new service will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal.
The platform will allow first-time voters to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to physically visit an INEC office.
According to the Commission, the system is equipped with robust 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 have not yet registered to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced online self-service option.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process while leveraging technology to improve citizens’ participation and experience in Nigeria’s electoral process.
