Nigeria's Electoral Commission Pushes Back Deadline for Voter Sign-ups to July 24, Unveils Digital Platform for Easy Enrollment

The Independent National Electoral Commission has granted a two-week extension to the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise, providing more time for citizens to participate. This move is accompanied by the introduction of an online self-service registration option for first-time voters who are eligible to cast their ballots.

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The announcement was made in a statement released on Friday, bearing the signature of National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna. The decision to extend the registration period was made following a thorough review of the exercise and careful consideration of feedback from state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.

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The Continuous Voter Registration exercise initially commenced on August 18, 2025, and was slated to conclude on July 10, 2026. This exercise is anticipated to be the final major voter registration drive ahead of the pivotal 2027 general elections.

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With the extension, the registration period will now run until Friday, July 24, 2026, allowing more eligible Nigerians to register for future elections. The extension reflects the Commission's dedication to providing every eligible Nigerian with a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the Register of Voters.

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INEC has also launched an online self-service portal, enabling eligible Nigerians to initiate and complete their voter registration, including biometric capture, from the convenience of their personal devices without needing to physically visit an INEC office. A step-by-step guide will be available on the portal to facilitate a seamless user experience.

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The online system boasts robust identity verification, biometric validation, and backend integrity checks, all designed to safeguard the credibility and accuracy of the National Register of Voters. The Commission is urging all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of the extended registration period and the new online option.

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The Commission reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a credible, inclusive, and accessible voter registration process, as well as its dedication to leveraging technology to enhance citizens' experience in the electoral process.