INEC extends nationwide voter registration by two weeks, introduces online self-service registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of future elections.

The commission announced that the exercise, initially scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026, will now end on July 24, 2026, following a review of the nationwide registration exercise and consultations with stakeholders.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision was informed by reports from the commission’s state offices, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders who advocated for more time to accommodate prospective voters.

According to Haruna, the extension reflects INEC’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the national register of voters before future electoral activities.

“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,” he said.

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Haruna also announced the introduction of a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters as part of the commission’s efforts to improve accessibility and leverage technology in the electoral process.

He disclosed that the new service will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through INEC’s dedicated Continuous Voter Registration portal, where prospective voters will also find a step-by-step registration guide.

The online self-service option, he explained, will enable eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration process without visiting an INEC office.

Haruna noted that the digital registration system is equipped with robust identity verification measures, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the national register of voters.

He urged Nigerians who are yet to register 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,” he said.

Reaffirming the commission’s commitment to credible elections, Haruna stated that INEC remains focused on delivering an inclusive, transparent, and accessible voter registration process while expanding the use of technology to enhance citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s electoral system.

INEC resumed the second phase of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise in January 2026 after the first phase concluded on December 10, 2025. The process began with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, before physical registration commenced across designated centres nationwide on August 25, 2025.