INEC Records Over 1.3 Million Online Voter Registrations in First Week

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 1,379,342 Nigerians completed the online pre-registration for the 2025 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in its first week, running from August 18 to 24.

According to the CVR State Pre-Registration Report released by the commission, Lagos State recorded the highest number of online registrations with 222,205 Nigerians, accounting for 16.11 percent of the national total. Osun State followed closely with 393,269 pre-registrants, the largest percentage share at 28.51 percent, while Ogun State posted 132,823 registrations, representing 9.63 percent.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had 107,682 online registrants, contributing 7.81 percent, while Oyo recorded 66,951 (4.85 percent), Kaduna 61,592 (4.47 percent), and Kogi 58,546 (4.24 percent). Other notable figures include Kwara with 33,726, Kebbi 35,009, and Yobe 34,888 registrations.

In the South-South region, Delta led with 24,421 registrations, followed by Rivers with 11,314 and Akwa Ibom with 12,373. Cross River and Bayelsa recorded 4,055 and 4,638 respectively, while Edo and Ondo had 2,875 and 3,426.

The North East also showed active participation, with Borno topping the region at 21,045, followed by Bauchi 13,066, Adamawa 2,155, Gombe 4,103, Taraba 2,395, and Yobe maintaining strong numbers at nearly 34,888.

In the North West, Kaduna led with 61,592 registrations. Other states included Kano 10,166, Katsina 11,004, Jigawa 8,243, Kebbi 35,009, Sokoto 12,478, and Zamfara 2,947. North Central states also saw healthy engagement, with Niger at 24,818, Nasarawa 11,555, Plateau 6,586, Benue 7,305, and Kogi making the top-performing list.

The South East recorded the lowest numbers, with Ebonyi posting only 261 registrations. Enugu and Imo followed closely with 484 and 481, respectively, while Abia had 772. Anambra’s figures were not listed separately.

INEC has now commenced the in-person phase of CVR across the country. Citizens who pre-registered online, as well as new applicants, are expected to complete their registration at INEC centres where their biometrics will be captured.

The exercise also allows for voter transfers within or across states, as well as replacements for lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The commission confirmed that registration will be available at 811 centres nationwide, including all 774 Local Government Area offices and state offices, running from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The process is open to Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who have not previously registered.

INEC has ensured accessibility for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. Its online portal provides services such as pre-registration, checking PVC status, locating registration centres, transferring voter information, and updating personal details.