INEC introduces self-service online voter registration, extends CVR exercise
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The Independent National Electoral Commission has launched a self-service online voter registration platform for eligible first-time voters, aiming to enhance accessibility and citizen participation. Mallam Mohammed Abubakar-Sadiq, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Nasarawa State, announced that the platform became operational on July 8 via the Commission鈥檚 Continuous Voter Registration portal. This new system allows first-time voters to complete their registration, including biometric capture, using personal devices without visiting an INEC office. It incorporates robust identity verification and backend integrity checks to maintain the accuracy of the National Register of Voters. However, individuals transferring voting points or replacing Permanent Voter Cards must still visit INEC registration centers. Additionally, the Commission has extended the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise. The third and final phase, initially set to conclude on July 10, will now end on July 26. This extension provides more opportunities for eligible Nigerians to register ahead of future electoral activities. The CVR exercise began on August 18, 2025, and has seen significant registrant numbers, including persons living with disabilities. Abubakar-Sadiq urged eligible residents to utilize both the extension and the new technology-driven platform, reaffirming INEC's commitment to a credible, inclusive, transparent, and accessible voter registration process.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The African Democratic Congress ADC has condemned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ICPC following the arrest of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai's personal physician. The party also alleged that ICPC officials assaulted El-Rufai's wife during a hospital visit. According to a statement from ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, El-Rufai was taken to the National Hospital, Abuja, for medical treatment, where doctors reportedly recommended his admission due to his health condition. The ADC claims that ICPC officials insisted on returning him to custody despite this recommendation, leading to a confrontation with his wife and personal physician, during which his wife was allegedly assaulted and the doctor arrested. The ADC accused the ICPC of denying El-Rufai proper medical care, violating his constitutional rights, and engaging in political persecution. The party called on the ICPC to explain the alleged denial of access to El-Rufai's family and physician, and questioned the legal basis for these actions. The ADC further accused President Tinubu of allowing anti-corruption agencies to be used for political intimidation and demanded unrestricted access for El-Rufai to his family, lawyers, and personal doctors, a review of his bail conditions, and an end to what it described as degrading detention conditions. This statement came shortly after the ICPC announced the arrest of El-Rufai's personal physician, Prof. Bello A
Must ReadSuspected extremist attacks in northern Burkina Faso over the weekend resulted in the deaths of at least 22 soldiers and civilian militia members, according to security sources. On Saturday morning, approximately 14 military personnel and seven civilian army volunteers were killed at a military base in Di, near Dedougou. There were also several fatalities reported in Solhan. A police source indicated a third attack occurred on Sunday, targeting a military post in Seguenega, near Kaya. The sources described the assaults as coordinated to inflict significant losses, but stated that a vigorous response led to the neutralization of several dozen terrorists and the recovery of military equipment. Burkina Faso, under a military junta since September 2022, has been engaged in a decade-long conflict against jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, with civilian volunteers assisting in the fight.
Must ReadSave the Children International has warned that approximately 36.2 million Nigerians across 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience acute food and nutrition insecurity during the ongoing 2026 lean season. The organization highlighted that this worsening humanitarian crisis is driven by conflict, climate shocks, rising food prices, and dwindling global humanitarian funding. Duncan Harvey, Save the Children Nigeria Country Director, stated at the Humanitarian Xchange Abuja 2026 conference that 2 million people are projected to face emergency levels of food insecurity, with over 10,000 in Borno State potentially facing catastrophic conditions. Children and mothers are disproportionately affected, with over 758,000 people in Borno State alone expected to face emergency food insecurity and high malnutrition rates in areas like Mobbar, Nganzai, and Maiduguri. Harvey emphasized the need for stronger coordination among governments, humanitarian organizations, donors, academia, and the private sector to address these growing needs. Pawel Mania, Director of the Humanitarian Leadership Academy, stressed the importance of placing local organizations at the center of humanitarian response, as they possess crucial knowledge and are often the first responders during crises. He also noted Nigeria's significant engagement with the academy's digital learning platform, Kaya Connect, and the potential of AI to strengthen humanitarian action if local voices are incl