Jane Salihu
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled a self-service online voter registration platform for first-time voters, marking a significant step in the use of technology to make voter registration more accessible across the country.
The Commission announced that it had also approved a two-week extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, moving the deadline from July 10 to July 26, 2026, to enable more eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future elections.
INEC, in a statement issued on Friday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the decisions followed a review of the nationwide CVR exercise and feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
According to the Commission, the new online self-service registration option will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, through its dedicated CVR portal.
It explained that the platform would enable eligible first-time voters to initiate and complete their registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without physically visiting an INEC office.
The Commission said the digital registration system incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.
INEC noted that extending the CVR exercise underscores its 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.
It urged citizens who are yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration window and the newly introduced technology-driven registration option.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process while advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.
