By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA – 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 electoral activities, including the 2027 general elections.
The Commission announced that the exercise, which was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, will now close on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Haruna.
According to Haruna, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the exercise and feedback received from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
In addition to extending the registration period, the Commission also unveiled a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters.
The new service will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through INEC’s dedicated Continuous Voter Registration portal.
Haruna explained that the platform allows eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to visit an INEC office.
He noted that the digital registration system is equipped with identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
The National Commissioner recalled that the current Continuous Voter Registration exercise began on August 18, 2025, and said the extension is intended to ensure that more eligible Nigerians have the opportunity to register before the exercise concludes.
INEC urged all eligible citizens who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced technology.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a voter registration process that is credible, inclusive, accessible, and driven by technology to improve citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
