INEC Extends Voter Registration Deadline
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the ongoing continuous voter registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks, moving the deadline from Friday, July 10, 2026, to Friday, July 24, 2026. The announcement was made on Friday evening, July 3, 2026, by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, INEC's commissioner for information and voter education.
Reason for Extension
According to Haruna, the decision followed a review of the nationwide CVR exercise and feedback from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. The nationwide CVR began on Monday, August 18, 2025, and was originally scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026. INEC stated: "In order to provide additional opportunity for eligible citizens who are yet to register, the Commission has extended the exercise to Friday, 24th July 2026."
New Self-Service Registration Option
INEC also announced the introduction of a self-service registration option for eligible first-time voters. This online service will become available from Wednesday, July 8, 2026, through the commission's dedicated CVR portal. The step-by-step guide is provided on the portal. INEC stated that it launched the self-service option "in furtherance of its commitment to innovation, accessibility, and improved service delivery." The commission explained: "The self-service option will enable eligible citizens to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without having to physically visit an INEC office." It added: "The Commission urges all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of this extended window and explore the new voter registration technology option."
Peter Obi Encourages Registration
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 elections, made impromptu visits to INEC voter registration centres at the Civic Centre in Nibo and Nrijiofor Primary School in Nri, Anambra state, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. He commended those who had turned out and encouraged every eligible citizen to register. Obi wrote on his verified X page: "I took the opportunity to commend those who had turned out and to encourage every eligible citizen to do the same. I reminded them that the journey to good governance does not begin on Election Day; it begins with voter registration. Registering to vote is not just a civic responsibility, it is an investment in the Nigeria we all desire." He urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to do so without delay and appealed to those already registered to encourage their family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues to take advantage of the ongoing exercise.
Background on 2027 Elections
Nigeria's general elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, to elect the president and vice president, as well as members of the Senate and House of Representatives. The CVR extension aims to ensure broader participation ahead of these polls.
