INEC Extends CVR, MKO Rallies Isuikwuato Residents to Take Advantage of New Opportunity

INEC Extends CVR, MKO Rallies Isuikwuato Residents to Take Advantage of New Opportunity

Mayor Kingsley Okoronkwo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Isuikwuato State Constituency seat in the Abia State House of Assembly, has urged eligible voters to take advantage of the extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Okoronkwo, popularly known as MKO, made the call in a statement issued on Friday, informing residents of Isuikwuato, Abia State and Nigerians at large that INEC had extended the voter registration exercise by two weeks, shifting the deadline from July 10 to July 26, 2026.

According to him, the extension followed a review of the ongoing nationwide registration exercise and consultations with stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organisations and INEC state offices.

The PDP candidate noted that the extension was aimed at providing additional opportunities for eligible Nigerians who were yet to register as voters ahead of future elections.

He also welcomed the introduction of a new self-service voter registration platform by INEC, describing it as a major step towards improving accessibility and participation in the electoral process.

The online registration option, which will become operational on July 8, 2026, through INEC’s CVR portal, is designed to allow first-time voters to initiate and complete their registration process, including biometric capture, using personal devices without physically visiting an INEC office.

Okoronkwo said the innovation would make voter registration more convenient while maintaining the integrity of the National Register of Voters through identity verification and biometric validation measures.

He urged eligible citizens in Isuikwuato and across the country who had not registered to seize the opportunity offered by the extension and the new technology-driven registration platform.

“Your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is your power. If you have not registered, need a transfer of voting unit, or wish to collect your unclaimed PVC, visit the INEC office in Isuikwuato or use the online portal from July 8. The deadline is now July 26, 2026. Do not wait until the last day,” he said.

The commission stated that the extension and introduction of the self-service registration platform were part of efforts to ensure a more inclusive, credible and accessible voter registration process while leveraging technology to improve citizens’ experience in electoral participation.

INEC had earlier announced that the nationwide CVR exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, would end on July 10, 2026, before approving the latest extension to accommodate more prospective voters.