The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by two weeks ahead of the 2027 general election.
The National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced the extension in a statement, saying the exercise will now end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, instead of July 10.
INEC also announced the introduction of a self service online registration option for eligible first time voters, effective from Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
Haruna said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback from state offices of the commission, political parties, civil society organizations and other stakeholders.
He noted that the CVR exercise began on August 18, 2025, and was originally scheduled to close on July 10, 2026.
According to him, the extension gives eligible citizens who have not registered another opportunity to be captured in the Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities.
Haruna said the new service would be available through the commission dedicated CVR portal, where a step by step guide has been provided for users.
He explained that the online option will allow eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, through personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
The commission said the system includes identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to protect the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
INEC urged eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of the extended period and the new technology.
Haruna said the commission remained committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, as well as the continued use of technology to improve citizens experience.
