INEC extends Voter registration by two weeks

The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration by two weeks, moving the deadline from July 10 to Friday, July 24, 2026.


National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee at the commission, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, disclosed this on Friday night, July 3 in Abuja. He said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from the Commission’s state offices, political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.


According to him, the exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, is being extended to give eligible citizens who are yet to register an additional opportunity to do so ahead of future electoral activities. The Commission noted that the extension underscores its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable chance to be included in the Register of Voters.


In addition to the extension, the electoral body announced the introduction of a self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters. The new service will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the dedicated portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, where a step-by-step guide will also be provided.


The Commission explained that the self-service option will allow eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without having to physically visit an office. It added that the system incorporates identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.


The commission urged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and explore the new registration technology, stressing its commitment to a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process anchored on the use of technology to improve the experience of citizens in the electoral process.