In a major shift towards technology-driven elections, the **Independent National Electoral Commission** has introduced a self-service voter registration platform that will allow eligible Nigerians to register using their personal digital devices, while extending the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks.
The commission said the new digital initiative is designed to remove barriers to voter enrolment and improve access to registration services as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
Announcing the decision in a statement on Friday, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the CVR exercise, earlier scheduled to end on July 10, will now close on July 26.
He said the extension followed an assessment of the nationwide exercise and consultations with INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, who called for additional time to accommodate prospective voters.
Haruna disclosed that the self-service registration portal will go live on July 8, enabling first-time voters to initiate and complete their registration process electronically.
According to him, the platform incorporates identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to preserve the credibility of the National Register of Voters while reducing the need for applicants to visit INEC offices physically.
The commission said the innovation represents another step in its efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system by leveraging technology to make voter registration more efficient, accessible and transparent.
Haruna urged eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extended registration window and the new digital platform, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to expanding voter participation through innovation.
The rollout comes as political parties and prospective candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 elections, with voter registration expected to play a critical role in shaping the size and composition of the electorate.