The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, moving the deadline from July 10 to July 24, 2026.
The commission announced the extension in a statement issued on Friday by Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to Haruna, the decision followed a review of the nationwide registration exercise and consultations with INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
He said the additional two weeks would allow more eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to be included in the national register of voters ahead of future elections.
INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters. The new service will go live on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the commission's dedicated CVR portal.
The platform allows first-time voters to complete their registration online without visiting an INEC office. Haruna said the system includes identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to maintain the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.
He encouraged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to use the extended registration period and the new online option.
"The commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, while expanding the use of technology to improve citizens' experience in the electoral process," Haruna said.
INEC resumed the second phase of the nationwide CVR exercise in January 2026 after the first phase ended on December 10, 2025. The registration process began with online pre-registration on August 18, 2025, followed by physical registration at designated centres across the country from August 25, 2025.
