The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reminded eligible Nigerians that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will end on Sunday, July 26, 2026, urging those yet to register to take advantage of the remaining time to secure their place on the national voters’ register.
The electoral body issued the reminder in a public notice posted on its official X handle on Saturday, stressing that the registration window would not be extended beyond the announced deadline.
INEC called on Nigerians who are eligible to vote but have not registered, as well as those who need to update their voter information, to complete the process before the exercise closes.
According to the commission, prospective voters can now complete the registration process online from start to finish through its dedicated Continuous Voter Registration portal. It also advised those who require physical assistance to visit any of its offices or designated registration centres across the country.
“Your future won’t wait. Neither should you. The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ends Sunday, 26 July 2026,” the commission said.
INEC explained that eligible Nigerians could register online through its official CVR platform without necessarily visiting a registration centre, while those who prefer in-person registration or require assistance could visit any of its state offices, local government area offices or designated registration centres.
The commission assured members of the public that all registration centres would continue to operate daily, including weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until the exercise officially closes on Sunday.
“You can complete your voter registration online from start to finish. If you need assistance, visit any INEC State Office, LGA Office, or designated registration centre to complete your registration in person,” the commission stated.
The reminder comes as INEC intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the Continuous Voter Registration exercise serving as one of the key steps in updating the country’s register of voters.
The exercise is designed to register Nigerians who have recently attained the age of 18 and are eligible to vote, as well as citizens who were unable to register during previous exercises.
It also allows registered voters to transfer their registration from one polling unit to another, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correct errors in their personal information where necessary.
Election officials have repeatedly encouraged Nigerians not to wait until the final hours before the deadline to avoid delays caused by large crowds or technical challenges.
Over the past few weeks, many INEC registration centres across the country have witnessed an increase in the number of people seeking to register or update their records ahead of the deadline.
The commission has continued to deploy additional personnel and logistics to manage the growing turnout and ensure eligible citizens complete the process without unnecessary delays.
INEC has also used social media, radio, television and other public enlightenment platforms to encourage wider participation in the exercise, stressing that voter registration remains the first requirement for participation in any election.
Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, only citizens whose names appear on the official register of voters and who possess valid Permanent Voter Cards are eligible to vote during elections.
The CVR exercise is therefore regarded as a critical stage in the country’s electoral process, helping to ensure that eligible citizens are not disenfranchised during national and state elections.
The 2027 general elections are expected to elect a new president, members of the National Assembly, state governors and members of state Houses of Assembly. Political parties have already begun early consultations and preparations ahead of the polls, making voter registration an important priority for many Nigerians.
Civil society organisations have intensified campaigns encouraging women, persons with disabilities and first-time voters to take advantage of the registration exercise before the deadline expires.
INEC has repeatedly assured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting credible, free and fair elections, noting that maintaining an accurate and up-to-date register of voters is essential to achieving that goal.
With only a short time left before the registration exercise ends, the commission has appealed to all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered or updated their voter information to act immediately.
The electoral body stressed that once the registration window closes on Sunday, no further applications will be accepted until another registration exercise is announced, making the current opportunity crucial for those wishing to participate in the 2027 general elections.
As the countdown to the deadline continues, INEC says it remains committed to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to register and exercise their constitutional right to vote in the next general elections.