The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will launch an online self-service voter registration platform for first-time voters on Wednesday, 8 July, 2026, allowing eligible Nigerians to begin and complete their registration with their own devices without visiting an INEC office.
The commission announced the new system on Friday while also extending the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks. INEC said the online option is part of its effort to improve access to voter registration and make the process easier for eligible citizens ahead of future elections.
INEC said the self-service platform will be available through its dedicated CVR portal from 8 July. The website will also provide users with a step-by-step guide on how to complete the process.
The commission explained that eligible first-time voters will be able to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, without physically visiting any INEC office.
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INEC said the system includes identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks. It said these measures are designed to protect the accuracy and credibility of the National Register of Voters.
The commission urged eligible Nigerians who have not registered to use the online platform once it becomes available and make use of the extended registration period.
Extension gives eligible Nigerians more time
The decision to launch the online registration option follows INEC’s review of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The commission said it also considered feedback from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders before approving both the extension and the new registration option.
The nationwide CVR exercise began on 18 August, 2025, with 10 July, 2026 fixed as the closing date. Following the latest decision, registration will now continue until Sunday, 26 July, 2026.
INEC said the extension is meant to give more eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered enough time to be included in the Register of Voters before future electoral activities.
Continuous Voter Registration is a routine exercise organised by INEC to register Nigerians who have reached voting age and are qualified to vote. It also allows eligible voters to update their registration details when necessary.
The exercise forms part of the commission’s preparation for future elections because only people whose names appear on the National Register of Voters can vote during elections conducted by INEC.
Over the years, INEC has introduced technology into different parts of Nigeria’s electoral process. The commission has used digital systems for voter registration, biometric verification and management of voter records. It has also continued to improve its online services to make election-related activities easier for citizens.
The introduction of self-service voter registration marks another step in that process by allowing first-time voters to complete registration from locations of their choice while the commission carries out electronic identity and biometric checks before accepting applications.
The extension of the registration period also gives people who may need more time to register another opportunity before the exercise closes later in July.
National Commissioner and Chair of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the commission approved both measures after reviewing the ongoing exercise and receiving feedback from stakeholders.
He said the commission is committed to providing eligible Nigerians with a fair opportunity to register and to improving citizens’ experience through the use of technology while protecting the credibility of the voter register.
The online self-service registration portal will open on July 8, while the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise will now end on 26 July, giving eligible Nigerians extra time and a new digital option to complete their voter registration.
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