Over 1.3 Million Nigerians Pre-Register Online in First Week of Continuous Voter Registration

Over 1.3 Million Nigerians Pre-Register Online in First Week of Continuous Voter Registration

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that 1,379,342 Nigerians successfully completed the online pre-registration process during the first week of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which ran from August 18 to 24, 2025.

Osun, Lagos Lead in Registrations
The CVR State Pre-Registration Report shared with journalists showed Osun State leading the exercise with 393,269 registrants, representing 28.51 percent of the national total. Lagos State followed closely with 222,205 registrations (16.11 percent), while Ogun recorded 132,823 entries (9.63 percent). The Federal Capital Territory contributed 107,682 registrations (7.81 percent), with Oyo, Kaduna, and Kogi recording 66,951 (4.85 percent), 61,592 (4.47 percent), and 58,546 (4.24 percent), respectively.

Other notable figures include Kwara (33,726), Kebbi (35,009), and Yobe (34,888). In the South-South, Delta State posted 24,421 pre-registrations, Rivers 11,314, Akwa Ibom 12,373, Cross River 4,055, and Bayelsa 4,638. Edo and Ondo States had 2,875 and 3,426, respectively.

Regional Participation Across the Country
In the North-East, Borno led the region with 21,045 registrations, followed by Bauchi (13,066), Adamawa (2,155), Gombe (4,103), and Taraba (2,395). The North-West recorded strong figures in Kaduna (61,592), Kano (10,166), Katsina (11,004), Jigawa (8,243), Kebbi (35,009), Sokoto (12,478), and Zamfara (2,947). North-Central states also showed active participation with Niger (24,818), Nasarawa (11,555), Plateau (6,586), Benue (7,305), and Kogi (58,546).

The South-East region recorded comparatively low figures, with Ebonyi at 261, Enugu 484, Imo 481, Abia 772, while Anambra’s figure was not separately listed.

Ongoing Physical Registration Phase
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, confirmed that the CVR exercise will continue until August 30, 2026. The commission also commenced the physical phase on Monday, requiring both new applicants and those who pre-registered online to complete registration in person at INEC centres, where biometrics will be captured.

The exercise allows transfers of voter registration within or across states and the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards. Registration is available at 811 centres nationwide, including all 774 Local Government Area offices and state offices, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Eligibility is limited to Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who have never registered. INEC has also ensured accessibility for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.

INEC Online Portal Services
INEC’s online portal — www.cvr.inecnigeria.org — provides services including pre-registration, PVC status checks, locating registration centres, transferring voter information, replacing lost or damaged cards, and updating personal details. The commission reiterated that double or multiple registrations are illegal.

State Governments Urge Participation
In Oyo State, the government encouraged residents to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise ahead of future elections. Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, urged fresh registrants to visit local government offices for registration and directed those seeking card replacements or transfers to use the online portal.

Akahi News gathered that INEC’s ongoing efforts aim to ensure that every eligible Nigerian citizen has the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process.

Akahi News http://www.akahinews.org