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.

Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Nasarawa State, disclosed this at a news briefing on Tuesday in Lafia.

Abubakar-Sadiq said the platform would become operational on Wednesday, July 8, through the Commission’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal, where eligible citizens could access step-by-step registration guidelines.

He said the platform would enable first-time voters to initiate and complete their voter registration process, including biometric capture, using their personal devices without physically visiting any INEC office.

According to him, the platform incorporates robust identity verification, biometric validation and backend integrity checks to safeguard the credibility, integrity and accuracy of the National Register of Voters.

The REC said the initiative was in line with the Commission’s commitment to innovation, accessibility and improved service delivery.

He, however, said that eligible voters who had begun the physical registration process, transfer of their voting point or replacement of their stolen or defaced Permanent Voter Card (PVC) should visit INEC registration centres.

He also announced that the Commission had approved a two-week extension of the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

Abubakar-Sadiq said the third and final phase of the exercise, initially scheduled to end on July 10, would now close on July 26.

He said the extension followed a review of the nationwide exercise and feedback from INEC state offices, political parties, civil society organisations and other critical stakeholders.

“The extension is to provide additional opportunity for eligible Nigerians who are yet to register as voters to do so ahead of future electoral activities.

“It underscores the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has a fair and reasonable opportunity to be included in the National Register of Voters,” he said.

The REC recalled that the nationwide CVR exercise commenced on Aug. 18, 2025, adding that the first and second phases recorded a significant number of registrants across Nasarawa State, including Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).

He urged eligible residents of the state who had yet to register to take advantage of both the extension and the newly introduced technology-driven registration platform.

Abubakar-Sadiq reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive, transparent and accessible voter registration process through the deployment of technology to improve citizens’ experience.

He also appreciated the media, political parties, civil society organisations, security agencies and other stakeholders for their continued support in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy. (NAN)