By Abiodun Folarin
WorldStage– 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 26, 2026,.
The commission also announced it introduction of a self-service online voter registration platform for first-time voters in a move aimed at expanding access and deepening electoral participation.
The Commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, the extension followed a review of the nationwide registration exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, who advocated additional time to enable more eligible Nigerians to register.
The electoral body noted that the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, will now end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, providing millions of eligible citizens another opportunity to be included 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 statement said.
In what represents a major technological shift in Nigeria’s voter registration process, INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters.
The online platform, which will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal, will allow prospective voters to initiate and complete their registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting any INEC office.
INEC said the platform is supported by robust identity verification mechanisms, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
The Commission described the initiative as part of its broader commitment to innovation, accessibility and improved service delivery, noting that the new technology is expected to reduce congestion at registration centres, simplify the registration process and encourage greater participation, particularly among young Nigerians and first-time voters.
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and the new digital registration option.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process while leveraging technology to improve citizens’ experience and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of future elections.
