NIGERIA: INEC Records Over 2.6 Million Registrations In Ongoing Voter Exercise

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shared significant progress in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with more than 2.6 million Nigerians registering both online and in person.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, by the National Commissioner and Chairman of Information & Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the exercise is attracting high participation, particularly among young people and students.

The statement, INEC revealed that between August 18 and August 31, 2025, a total of 2,532,062 Nigerians completed online pre-registration via the Commission’s dedicated CVR portal. Of this figure, 1,218,482 (48.12%) were male, while 1,313,580 (51.88%) were female.

Youth participation dominated the process, with 1,602,484 (63.29%) registrants aged between 18 and 34 years. Students accounted for 647,528 (25.57%) of the total figure.

The Commission emphasized that online pre-registration must be completed in person at INEC’s 811 State and Local Government area offices nationwide, where biometric data including fingerprints and facial details will be captured. Without this final step, online applications remain invalid.

The statement read partly: ” the commission is aware that there are Nigerians who have no access to online facilities or those who prefer to register in-person. Consequently, our staff have been deployed to attend to eligible citizens at the Commission’s 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide where they can simultaneously begin and complete their registration. The centres are open from 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (Monday to Friday). The list and addresses of the centres have already been made public.”

INEC has uploaded detailed statistics by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability status on its official platforms for public access. The Commission also commended civil society groups and organisations mobilising citizens to participate.

Olumekun reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to ensuring inclusive, transparent, and credible voter registration ahead of future elections.