The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and unveiled a new online self-service registration platform that will allow eligible first-time voters to register without visiting an INEC office.
The electoral body announced the decisions on Friday following a review of the registration exercise and consultations with stakeholders across the country.
The extension means that the CVR exercise, which was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now continue until July 24, 2026.
Announcing the development, INEC said the decision was informed by reports from its state offices as well as feedback from political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders seeking more time for eligible Nigerians to register.
“In order to provide additional opportunity for eligible citizens who are yet to register, the Commission has extended the exercise to Friday, 24th July 2026,” the commission stated.
INEC noted that the registration exercise commenced nationwide on August 18, 2025, as part of preparations for future electoral activities.
According to the commission, the extension reflects its commitment to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to be included in the national register of voters.
“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,” INEC said.
In a major technological innovation, the commission also announced the introduction of an online self-service voter registration platform for first-time voters.
The service is expected to go live on July 8, 2026, through INEC’s dedicated CVR portal.Under the new arrangement, eligible Nigerians will be able to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to physically visit any INEC registration centre.
The commission said the platform was designed to make voter registration more accessible while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
“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,” the commission stated.
INEC explained that the new system incorporates 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 broader efforts to leverage technology to improve service delivery and enhance citizens’ participation in the democratic process.
“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,” it added.
The electoral body urged Nigerians who have attained voting age and are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and the newly introduced digital registration option.
Political observers say the extension and introduction of self-service registration could significantly increase voter participation by making the registration process more convenient and accessible, particularly for young voters and Nigerians in remote locations.
The CVR exercise is a critical component of INEC’s preparations for future elections, as only citizens whose names appear on the National Register of Voters are eligible to participate in the country’s electoral process.
