The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the country’s ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by an additional two weeks and introduced an online self-service registration platform aimed at widening access ahead of the 2027 general election.
INEC announced on Friday that the exercise, previously scheduled to end on 10 July, will now continue until 24 July to allow more eligible Nigerians to register.
In a statement signed by the national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission said the decision followed a review of the exercise and feedback from state offices, political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders.
The nationwide voter registration exercise, which began on 18 August 2025, is expected to be the final major registration drive before Nigerians go to the polls in 2027.
“The extension underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters,” the statement said.
INEC also announced the launch of an online self-service portal that will enable eligible first-time voters to initiate and complete the registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices rather than visiting commission offices.
The electoral body said a step-by-step guide would be available on the platform to help users navigate the process.
According to the commission, the system incorporates “robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks” intended to protect the integrity and accuracy of the national voter register.
INEC urged Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of both the extended deadline and the new digital platform.
“The commission remains committed to a credible, inclusive and accessible voter registration process, and to advancing the use of technology to improve citizens’ experience in the electoral process,” the statement said.
The extension comes as electoral authorities seek to expand participation and improve access to voter registration ahead of what is expected to be a closely watched 2027 general election.
