INEC EXTENDS NATIONWIDE VOTER REGISTRATION TO JULY 26, UNVEILS ONLINE SELF-REGISTRATION FOR NEW VOTERS
Oru Leonard
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks, with the exercise now scheduled to end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, instead of the earlier deadline of July 10.
The announcement was contained in a press statement issued on July 3, 2026, and signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC).
INEC said the decision followed an assessment of the registration exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders, who called for more time to enable eligible Nigerians to register.
The Commission noted that the nationwide CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, has recorded significant participation, but stressed the need to accommodate more prospective voters before the exercise closes.
As part of efforts to modernise voter registration, INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service online registration platform for first-time voters, beginning Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The Commission explained that eligible Nigerians can access the service through its dedicated CVR portal, where they can complete the registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices, without the need to visit an INEC office.
According to INEC, the digital registration system features identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
The Commission urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced online registration option.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a credible, inclusive, and technology-driven voter registration process that makes electoral participation more accessible to citizens.
(INEC Media)
