Concerned citizens and civil society organisations have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the 2027 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by at least 30 days.
The demand was contained in a letter signed by Kenneth Eze, Lead Organisation of the Speak Out Africa Initiative, who said the July 26, 2026 closure date could disenfranchise eligible Nigerians, particularly young people who turn 18 during the registration period.
The groups cited challenges including malfunctioning and inadequate BVAS devices, understaffing and network disruptions as reasons for the extension.
They also relied on Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act, which provides for the suspension of voter registration not later than 90 days before an election.
The CSOs referenced a 2022 Federal High Court judgment which, according to them, affirmed that CVR should continue until the statutory deadline and that premature closure could amount to disenfranchisement.
They therefore urged INEC to review the July 26 deadline, accommodate newly eligible 18-year-old voters and reaffirm its commitment to an inclusive electoral process.
Responding, an INEC official, Mrs Ndidi Okafor, confirmed receipt of the letter and assured the group that it would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, INEC National Commissioner, Professor Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, is expected to provide the Commission’s response to the demand for an extension.