…Extends voter registration by 2 weeks
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says preparations for the 2027 general elections are gathering momentum, following the release of more than ₦500 billion in election funding and the extension of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks.
The electoral body confirmed that it has received over half of the budget earmarked for the 2027 elections, describing the development as a major step towards ensuring adequate planning and logistics ahead of the nationwide polls.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed in an interview that the funds were released to the Commission a few weeks ago, providing critical support for ongoing electoral preparations. According to him, although the release is a welcome development, the Commission is still grappling with financial obligations from previous elections, including about ₦6 billion owed to contractors. He added that INEC is also awaiting more than ₦20 billion outstanding from an earlier statutory allocation of ₦140 billion.
Haruna stressed the importance of timely disbursement of the remaining funds for the 2027 elections to avoid logistical challenges and ensure seamless preparations. Despite the outstanding liabilities, the commission said it has already begun deploying resources towards key aspects of election management.
INEC noted that efforts are underway to procure essential electoral materials, including the acquisition of new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices. As part of these preparations, the commission’s Director of Information and Communication Technology recently travelled to China to conclude arrangements for the importation of the new BVAS machines, aimed at strengthening the credibility and efficiency of future elections.
Meanwhile, INEC has announced a two-week extension of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, moving the deadline from July 10 to July 26, 2026. In an issued statement signed by Mohammed Haruna, the Commission said the decision followed consultations with state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders, as well as a review of the progress recorded so far.
The Commission explained that the extension would give more eligible Nigerians the opportunity to register and be included in the National Register of Voters ahead of future elections.
INEC also disclosed that it will launch a self-service online voter registration platform next week to enable eligible first-time voters to register using their personal devices.
The Commission said the digital platform, which will operate through its dedicated CVR portal, will provide users with a step-by-step process for completing their registration, including biometric capture, without the need to physically visit INEC offices.
According to the Commission, the system incorporates identity verification procedures, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to preserve the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of the extended registration period and embrace the new online registration technology as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue to gather pace across the country.
