BREAKING: INEC Extends Voter Registration, Launches Online Self-Service Portal

• Eligible Nigerians now have until July 24, 2026, to register to vote after INEC extended the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and introduced a new online self-service platform to make the process easier ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by an additional two weeks, giving more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In addition to the extension, the electoral commission also introduced an online self-service voter registration portal, allowing first-time voters to begin and complete their registration process using their personal devices.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Friday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.

According to INEC, the decision followed a comprehensive review of the exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders who requested additional time to enable more Nigerians to participate.

The nationwide voter registration exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. However, the commission has now extended the deadline to Friday, July 24, 2026.

Explaining the reason for the extension, INEC said “The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters.”

As part of efforts to improve accessibility and modernise the registration process, the commission also unveiled a new online self-service registration platform. The portal will enable eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, without the need to visit an INEC office physically.

INEC disclosed that a detailed step-by-step guide will be provided on the platform to help users navigate the registration process seamlessly.

The commission further assured Nigerians that the online system has been designed with advanced security measures to safeguard the integrity of the voter register.

According to INEC, the platform features “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.”

The electoral body encouraged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced online option.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, INEC stated “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.”