The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reaffirmed that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will end today, despite growing calls from opposition political parties and civil society organisations for an extension.
The commission maintained that the registration window would close as scheduled on Sunday, July 26, urging eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of the remaining hours before the deadline.
In a notice posted on its official X handle on Saturday, INEC announced that designated registration centres across the country would operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Your future won’t wait. Neither should you. The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ends Sunday, 26 July 2026,” the commission stated.
INEC also reminded prospective voters that they could complete the process through its online CVR portal or visit any designated INEC office and registration centre nationwide for physical registration and assistance.
The commission’s decision comes amid concerns from opposition parties and civil society groups, which argued that extending the exercise would enable millions of eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to participate in the 2027 general elections.
However, INEC defended its position, explaining that the Electoral Act 2022 requires voter registration, updates and revision of the voters’ register to end at least 90 days before an election. The commission said the period is needed for data verification, the printing of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and other logistical preparations.
INEC also noted that the law mandates the display of the provisional voters’ register for claims and objections, allowing citizens to identify and correct omissions or errors before the final register is certified.
According to the commission, ending the registration exercise on schedule is essential to completing these statutory processes and ensuring credible elections.
The electoral body further revealed that 2,970,257 eligible Nigerians had successfully registered during Phase III, Week Nine of the CVR exercise, based on completed online and physical registrations recorded as of July 17, 2026.
Meanwhile, the commission disclosed that the registration exercise remains suspended in Osun State ahead of the forthcoming governorship election, in compliance with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.
