The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register before the exercise closes on Sunday, July 26,2026.
The decision was announced in a press statement issued on Friday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, who said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The nationwide voter registration exercise began on August 18, 2025, and was initially scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. The electoral body said the new deadline would allow more qualified Nigerians who have yet to register to be captured in the national register of voters ahead of future elections.
INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service registration platform for eligible first-time voters. The service will go live on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal.
The Commission said the platform would allow first-time voters to begin and complete their registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting any INEC office.
“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,” the statement said.
INEC added that, “The self-service option will enable eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without having to physically visit an INEC office.”
It stated that the platform “incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”
The Commission urged Nigerians who have not registered to use the extra time provided and embrace the new registration option.
“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,” the statement added.