The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reminded eligible Nigerians that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will close on Sunday, July 26, 2026, urging citizens to complete all voter-related processes before the deadline.

The commission said the deadline applies not only to first-time voters but also to registered voters seeking to update their records.

Who Should Take Action?

According to INEC, the closing date affects Nigerians who need to:

Register as first-time voters.

Transfer their polling unit to a new location.

Correct errors in their personal or voter information.

Replace a lost or damaged Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

Eligible citizens are encouraged to complete the process before the registration window closes.

How to Register

INEC advised prospective voters to begin the registration process through its official Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal, where applicants can submit their details online before completing any required verification.

The commission noted that the online process can be initiated using a mobile phone or computer, making registration more accessible to eligible Nigerians.

INEC clarified that applicants will not receive their Permanent Voter Cards immediately after registration.

Instead, the commission will process the applications, with PVCs expected to be available for collection around September or October 2026, after verification and production.

The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is an essential step in ensuring eligible Nigerians can participate in future elections.

Missing the July 26 deadline could prevent unregistered citizens or those needing updates from voting until another registration window is announced.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 suspected ghost workers across 50 federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) during a nationwide payroll verification exercise.

The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the exercise also led to the recovery of approximately ₦942 million in salaries allegedly paid fraudulently to non-existent or ineligible workers.

According to the ICPC, the discovery was made as part of efforts to strengthen transparency in the management of the Federal Government’s payroll system and eliminate financial leakages.

The commission said the verification exercise was designed to identify irregularities in personnel records and ensure that only legitimate public servants receive government salaries.

The findings have sparked renewed public debate over accountability within Nigeria’s civil service, with many Nigerians calling for a thorough investigation and the prosecution of anyone found responsible for the alleged fraud.

Analysts say recurring cases of ghost workers continue to drain public resources that could otherwise be invested in critical sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling corruption in the public sector, stating that efforts to sanitise the government payroll system will continue.

It added that collaboration with relevant government agencies remains essential to preventing future abuses and strengthening financial accountability across MDAs.

The discovery of hundreds of suspected ghost workers highlights the persistent challenge of payroll fraud within Nigeria’s public service.

Addressing such irregularities could help reduce waste, improve transparency and ensure that public funds are used for their intended purposes.

A group identified as US-based Igbo military veterans has condemned an alleged on-air statement calling for the killing of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He went further to demand a public apology from News Central Television and the programme guest involved.

The group described the alleged remarks as unacceptable, arguing that public discourse should remain within the bounds of the law and respect for human rights.

In a statement, the group called on News Central and the guest to publicly retract the alleged comments and issue an apology.

According to the veterans, statements perceived as encouraging violence or extrajudicial actions have no place in a democratic society and could further inflame tensions.

They urged media organisations to uphold professional broadcasting standards and ensure that discussions on sensitive national issues are conducted responsibly.

The group stressed that Kanu’s legal matters should continue to be handled through the courts, insisting that every individual is entitled to due process under the law.

They maintained that disagreements over political or legal issues should not translate into calls for violence.

As of the time of filing this report, News Central Television and the programme guest had not publicly responded to the veterans’ demands.

The development comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Kanu, whose case continues to attract national and international attention.

The incident has renewed conversations about responsible media conduct, freedom of expression and the limits of public commentary on sensitive legal and political issues.

It also highlights the importance of maintaining civil discourse while respecting the rule of law.