The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the continuous voter registration (CVR) period by two weeks.
In January 2026, INEC resumed the nationwide CVR exercise, ushering in the second phase of the process.
The resumption followed the completion of the first phase, which was completed on December 10, 2025.
On August 18, 2025, the commission opened online pre-registration for the exercise, which will be followed by in-person registration at specified centers across the country on August 25.
In a statement issued on Friday, Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s chairman of the information and voter education committee, stated that the extension was based on a review of the ongoing nationwide CVR exercise and feedback from the commission’s state offices, political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders.
Haruna stated that the nationwide CVR exercise, which was originally planned to expire on July 10, 2026, has been extended until July 24 to provide eligible persons who have yet to register the opportunity to do so.
Haruna stated that the extension demonstrates the commission’s dedication to providing all eligible Nigerians with a fair and reasonable opportunity to register for future elections.
Additionally, the commission has introduced an online self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters.
“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,” he said.
He stated that the self-service option will allow eligible persons to commence and finish their voter registration without having to visit an INEC office.
According to him, the system includes comprehensive identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to ensure the national voter register’s authenticity and correctness.
“The commission urges all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of this extended window and explore the new voter registration technology option,” Haruna 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.”
