The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise by two weeks to Sunday, 26 July 2026, and announced a new online self-service registration option opening 8 July 2026.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, moving the closing date from 10 July 2026 to Sunday, 26 July 2026.
INEC announced the extension in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, 3 July 2026, by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna. The commission said the decision followed a review of the ongoing exercise and feedback received from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The CVR exercise began on 18 August 2025 as part of INEC's preparations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Alongside the extension, INEC announced a new self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters. The commission said the option will open on Wednesday, 8 July 2026, and will be accessed through INEC's dedicated CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org.
Under the planned self-service arrangement, applicants will be able to initiate and complete registration — including biometric capture — using personal digital devices, without visiting INEC offices in person. Haruna said the platform will incorporate identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks.
INEC's power to vary registration timelines derives from its general mandate under the Electoral Act 2022 to organise, undertake and regulate the process of voter registration as part of its broader responsibility for conducting elections.
As of the date of this report, the self-service portal had not yet opened.
