Adedokun Waliyu 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters as part of efforts to improve accessibility, service delivery and citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Nasarawa State, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, announced the initiative during a news briefing in Lafia on Tuesday. He said the platform will become operational on Wednesday, July 8, through INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal, where eligible Nigerians can access step-by-step registration guidelines.
According to him, the platform will enable first-time voters to begin and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without the need to visit any INEC office physically.
He explained that the platform is equipped with robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to ensure the credibility, integrity and accuracy of the National Register of Voters. The initiative, he said, reflects the Commission’s commitment to innovation, improved accessibility and better service delivery.
However, Abubakar-Sadiq noted that eligible voters seeking to transfer their voting points, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or complete previously started physical registration must still visit designated INEC registration centres.
He also announced that INEC has approved a two-week extension of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The third and final phase, originally scheduled to end on July 10, will now conclude on July 26.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the extension followed a review of the nationwide exercise and feedback received from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
He said the extension is intended to provide additional time for eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to do so before future elections, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible citizen has a fair opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters.
Abubakar-Sadiq recalled that the nationwide CVR exercise began on August 18, 2025, and said the first two phases recorded a significant number of registrations across Nasarawa State, including persons living with disabilities.
He urged all eligible residents who are yet to register to take advantage of both the extension and the newly introduced technology-driven registration platform. He also reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent, inclusive and accessible voter registration process through the effective deployment of technology.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner concluded by appreciating the media, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
