By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across Nigeria by an additional two weeks.
The electoral body announced that the exercise, which was earlier scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026, will now end on July 24, 2026.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Haruna, chairman of the commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the commission, the decision followed an assessment of the ongoing registration exercise as well as feedback received from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
Haruna said the extension would allow more eligible Nigerians who have not registered to take part in the exercise before the deadline.
“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,” Haruna said.
INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service registration platform for Nigerians seeking to register as first-time voters.
The commission said the service will become operational on July 8, 2026, through its dedicated portal.
“In furtherance of its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and improved service delivery, the commission is pleased to announce the introduction of a self-service registration option (online) for eligible first-time voters,” he said.
“The new service will become available from Wednesday, 8th July, 2026 through the commission’s dedicated CVR portal – cvr.inecnigeria.org where the step-by-step guide is also provided.”
Haruna explained that the online option would allow eligible citizens to complete their voter registration process without visiting INEC offices physically.
He added that the platform includes measures aimed at protecting the credibility of the voter register.
According to him, the system contains identity verification features, biometric validation, and integrity checks to ensure accurate registration records.
“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,” Haruna said.
“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.”
INEC had resumed the nationwide CVR exercise in January 2026 after the completion of the first phase of the process in December 2025. The commission began online pre-registration in August 2025 before launching physical registration at centres nationwide later that month.
