By Our Reporter
Nigeria’s electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, has extended the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, shifting the deadline from July 10 to July 24, 2026, in a move aimed at capturing more eligible Nigerians ahead of future elections.
The decision followed widespread appeals and feedback from political parties, civil society organisations, state offices and other stakeholders who urged the Commission to give prospective voters more time to register.
Beyond the extension, the Commission announced what could mark a significant technological shift in Nigeria’s electoral process with the introduction of a self-service online voter registration platform for first-time voters.
Scheduled to commence on July 8, the new system will allow eligible Nigerians to begin and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using personal devices without physically visiting INEC offices.
Electoral officials said the platform is equipped with identity verification, biometric validation and integrity safeguards designed to protect the credibility of the national voters’ register.
The latest measures are expected to ease congestion at registration centres while expanding access to millions of eligible citizens, particularly young voters and those in remote locations.
Political observers say the extension reflects INEC’s determination to improve voter participation and strengthen confidence in the electoral process through technology-driven reforms.
The Commission has urged all eligible Nigerians yet to register to take advantage of the additional two-week window and the newly introduced digital registration option as it intensifies preparations for future electoral activities.
 exercise by two weeks, shifting the deadline from July 10 to July 24, 2026, in a move aimed at capturing more eligible Nigerians ahead of future elections.){kind=link}