The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks and unveiled a new online self-service registration platform that will allow eligible first-time voters to begin and complete the registration process digitally ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has announced a two-week extension of the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise, giving eligible Nigerians additional time to register as voters. The commission also introduced an online self-service registration platform aimed at making voter registration faster, easier and more accessible.
In a statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC said the extension followed a review of the ongoing exercise and feedback from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The commission explained that the CVR exercise, which was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, has now been extended until July 24, 2026, to ensure that more eligible Nigerians are captured in the National Register of Voters before future electoral activities.
INEC also announced the launch of an online self-service voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters.
According to the commission, the platform enables applicants to initiate and complete their registration process using their personal digital devices, including biometric capture, while incorporating multiple security features designed to protect the integrity of the voter register.
The innovation is part of INEC’s broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process through technology and reduce the stress associated with physical registration.
INEC said the extension underscores its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair opportunity to register and participate in future elections.
The commission encouraged citizens who are yet to register to take advantage of the additional two-week window and urged prospective voters to complete their registration before the new deadline. It also assured Nigerians that the online platform has been built with safeguards to prevent abuse and maintain the credibility of the electoral register.
The extension of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the introduction of online self-registration represent two of INEC’s most significant electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. The commission believes the measures will improve voter participation, expand access to registration services and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.