Nigeria extends voter registration to July 24, adds portal

Nigeria’s electoral commission has extended a nationwide voter registration drive by two weeks and launched a new online platform for first-time registrants. The Independent National Electoral Commission announced the changes, moving the deadline for the Continuous Voter Registration exercise from July 10 to July 24, 2026.

The extension follows a review of the process and feedback from the commission’s state offices, political parties, and civil society organizations. Officials said the additional time is intended to give more eligible citizens a fair opportunity to register ahead of future elections. The registration drive began on August 18, 2025, and is seen as a final major enrollment period before the 2027 general elections.

Starting July 8, 2026, a new self-service online registration option will be available for eligible first-time voters through a dedicated portal. The system will allow citizens to complete their registration, including biometric capture, using personal devices without visiting a physical office. The commission stated the platform incorporates identity verification and backend integrity checks designed to preserve the accuracy of the national voter register.