The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched a self-service online voter registration platform aimed at making the registration process easier and more accessible for eligible Nigerians registering for the first time.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, announced the development during a media briefing in Lafia, explaining that the platform would officially begin operations on Wednesday, July 8, through the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal.
He said the new system would allow first-time voters to start and complete their registration process remotely, including biometric data capture, without the need to visit an INEC office.
According to him, the platform was designed with identity verification measures, biometric authentication and other security checks to protect the accuracy and reliability of the National Register of Voters.
Abubakar-Sadiq said the initiative reflects INEC’s commitment to using technology to improve electoral services, expand access and encourage more citizens to participate in the democratic process.
However, he clarified that individuals who had already started physical registration, those seeking to transfer their voting locations, or those replacing damaged or missing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) would still need to visit designated INEC centres.
The REC also announced that the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise had been extended by two weeks. The final phase, which was initially expected to end on July 10, will now continue until July 26.
He explained that the extension followed consultations with INEC offices nationwide, political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders, providing more time for eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to be captured in the voter database.
He encouraged residents who have not registered to take advantage of both the extended registration period and the newly introduced online platform.
The electoral body reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent, inclusive and credible voter registration process through improved technology and better service delivery.
