By Our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced an online self-service registration platform for eligible first-time voters, which will go live on July 8, 2026. At the same time, the commission has extended the deadline for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, moving the closing date from July 10 to July 24, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the extension followed feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders who requested more time for eligible Nigerians to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the commission, the new online platform will allow first-time voters to begin and complete their registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office. The system also includes identity verification, biometric validation, and other security measures to safeguard the integrity of the National Register of Voters.
INEC said the nationwide CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. The commission noted that the additional two weeks would provide more eligible citizens with the opportunity to register before the deadline.
The commission urged Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the new online platform. It reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process through the effective use of technology.