…to open self-service online registration July 8,
From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), exercise by more two weeks, giving eligible Nigerians more time to get on the voter register ahead of future elections.
The Commission said the exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, and was earlier billed to end on July 10, 2026, will now run until Sunday, July 26, 2026.!
In a statement issued and signed at the weekend, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Independent Voter Education Committee (IVEC), urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extended window and the new technology.
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He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.
This decision followed a review of the ongoing exercise and feedback from INEC State Offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to the Commission, the extension is intended to provide additional opportunity for citizens who are yet to register. “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 ahead of future electoral activities,” the statement said.
In a major shift toward digital access, INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters. The new service will go live on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, on the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal at http://cvr.inecnigeria.org. A step-by-step guide will be provided on the portal to help applicants navigate the process.
Under the self-service option, first-time voters will be able to initiate and complete their registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office. The system, the Commission added, will incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
