The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians until 24 July 2026 to register as voters.
The Commission announced the extension in a statement signed by National Commissioner Mohammed Kudu Haruna, saying the decision followed a review of the exercise and feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The nationwide CVR exercise began on 18 August 2025 and was initially scheduled to end on 10 July 2026. According to INEC, the extension is intended to provide more time for eligible citizens who have yet to 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,” the statement said.
INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service online registration option for first-time voters as part of efforts to improve accessibility and service delivery.
The new service will be available from 8 July 2026 through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, where applicants can also access a step-by-step registration guide.
According to the Commission, the self-service platform will allow eligible first-time voters to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
INEC said the platform incorporates identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard 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 registration period and the new online registration option, reaffirming its commitment to delivering a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process through the use of technology.
