INEC rules out voter registration extension, says no more time
INEC has ruled out any extension of the voter registration exercise that closed on July 26, 2026. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, INEC spokesperson Wilfred Ifogah said the commission cannot grant more time because it needs about 75 days after registration ends to prepare the voters’ register, and even a two‑week extension would disrupt preparations for the upcoming election. He noted that the registration process actually began in August 2025, with online pre‑registration on the 18th and in‑person sign‑ups starting on the 25th, and has run for roughly 340 days with periodic breaks for public display of the register to receive claims and objections. The most recent phase, which started in April and ended in July, was extended once to July 26 after public outcry and included a portal upgrade that allowed first‑time applicants to complete the process entirely online. Because the display of the register will commence in August, allowing the public to scrutinise the data, INEC says there will be no further extension. Consequently, anyone who missed the July 26 deadline will not be able to vote in the next election unless they wait for the next registration cycle. During the August display period, citizens can check their details and file objections if necessary.