INEC Extends CVR by Two Weeks, Introduces Self-service for First-timers

The ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general election has been extended by two weeks, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

National Commissioner and Chairman of the Inform and Voter Education Committee, Mallam Mohammed Haruna, disclosed this in a statement, saying the exercise, which was supposed to end on July 10, has been extended to Sunday, July 26, 2026.

In addition, the commission announced the introduction of a self-service online registration option for eligible first-time voters, to take effect from Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Haruna said the extension followed a review of the exercise and feedback received from the Commission’s State Offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

The National Commissioner noted that the CVR exercise commenced on 18th August 2025 and was originally scheduled to end on 10th July 2026, adding that the extension was designed to provide an additional opportunity for eligible citizens who have yet to register to be included in the Register of Voters ahead of future electoral activities.

He explained that the new service would be available through the commission’s dedicated CVR portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org, where a step-by-step guide has also been provided.

He said the self-service option would enable eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without visiting an INEC office.

Haruna said the system incorporates identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks to preserve the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.

The commission urged eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of the extended window and the new registration technology.

Haruna reiterated INEC’s commitment to a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process, and to the continued use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process.