INEC Extends Voter Registration, Introduces Self-Service Option For First-Time Voters

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a two-week extension of its ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, giving more eligible Nigerians time to register before the exercise closes.

INEC restarted the nationwide registration exercise in January 2026 as the second phase of the CVR programme after completing the first phase on December 10, 2025.

Before the physical registration resumed, INEC opened its online pre-registration portal on August 18, 2025.

In-person registration later began across designated centres nationwide on August 25, 2025.

In a statement on Friday, Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, said the decision to extend the exercise came after the commission reviewed its progress and considered reports from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other key stakeholders.

Haruna explained that the registration exercise, which was initially expected to end on July 10, 2026, will now continue until July 24, allowing more Nigerians to be added to the voter register ahead of future elections.

“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.

“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.

“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,” he noted.

Haruna explained that the self-service option allows eligible first-time voters to begin and complete their registration online without visiting an INEC office.

He added that the system includes several security features, such as identity verification, biometric authentication, and other backend checks, to protect the integrity and accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register.

“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.”

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