The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by an additional two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to register ahead of future elections.
The extension was announced in a statement issued on Friday by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to INEC, the decision followed a review of the registration exercise and consultations with its state offices, political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
The voter registration exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026. With the new extension, registration will now continue until July 24, 2026.
The commission said the additional time is intended to ensure that more eligible Nigerians have the opportunity to register before preparations for the 2027 general elections progress further.
INEC also announced the introduction of an online self-service registration portal for first-time voters. The new platform will allow eligible Nigerians to begin and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.
The electoral body said users will have access to detailed instructions on the portal to guide them through the registration process.
INEC added that the system includes identity verification, biometric validation and other security measures aimed at protecting the integrity and accuracy of the national voter register.
The commission encouraged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to make use of both the extended registration period and the new online registration option, reaffirming its commitment to making voter registration more accessible through the use of technology.
