INEC Records 1.37 Million Voter Pre-Registrations in One Week as Physical Registration Begins Nationwide

Abuja, Nigeria – August 25, 2025: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians completed online pre-registration for voter enrollment within just the first week of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The online pre-registration phase, which commenced on Monday, August 18, 2025, recorded strong nationwide participation. According to INEC’s official update released on Monday, August 25, the figures represent a significant early turnout ahead of the physical, in-person registration exercise that begins today across the country.

INEC’s weekly report provides a detailed demographic breakdown of the online pre-registrations:

Gender Distribution: Out of the 1,379,342 registrants, 661,846 (47.96%) are male, while 717,856 (52.04%) are female. This shows a slightly higher participation rate among women.

Age Groups: Young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 34 years account for the majority, with 860,286 (62.37%) registrants. This underscores the growing interest of youths in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.

Occupation: Students represent the largest occupational group, making up 374,534 (27.15%) of registrants, highlighting the strong involvement of the academic community in the electoral process.

Persons with Disabilities: INEC also recorded 27,089 registrations (1.96%) from people living with disabilities, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to inclusive electoral participation.

The Commission confirmed that the full data has been published on its official website and verified social media channels for public scrutiny and transparency.

While the online phase has gained significant traction, physical registration officially begins today, Monday, August 25, 2025, across all 811 INEC state and local government area offices nationwide.

This provides an opportunity for Nigerians who prefer in-person registration to enroll directly at the centers. Additionally, individuals who began the process online will now be able to complete their biometrics and finalize their registration at designated centers.

INEC emphasized that the CVR exercise is open to all eligible Nigerian citizens aged 18 years and above who have never registered before. Importantly, the Commission cautioned against double or multiple registrations, stressing that such practices are illegal and punishable under electoral law.

However, the registration window also accommodates the following services:

Inter-state or intra-state transfers of voter records for citizens relocating to new residences.

Replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

INEC has scheduled the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to run for a full year, ending on August 30, 2026. Nevertheless, the Commission strongly advised Nigerians not to delay their registration until the final weeks, as history has shown that last-minute rushes often overwhelm registration centers and lead to widespread calls for deadline extensions.

Speaking on behalf of the Commission, Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral process. He urged citizens to take full advantage of the year-long window to register early, noting that early registration ensures smoother logistics and prevents unnecessary pressure on INEC facilities.

The early turnout signals Nigerians’ eagerness to participate in the 2027 general elections. INEC assured the public that it remains dedicated to conducting credible, inclusive, and technology-driven elections, building on reforms implemented in previous electoral cycles.

Observers note that the impressive youth participation aligns with a growing global trend of increased youth involvement in politics and governance, particularly in Africa, where a significant percentage of the population falls below 35 years of age.

By releasing weekly updates, INEC seeks to maintain public confidence, accountability, and continuous stakeholder engagement throughout the CVR exercise.

The first-week success of the CVR underscores both the effectiveness of INEC’s online pre-registration platform and the determination of Nigerians to play an active role in the democratic process. With over 1.3 million pre-registrations in just seven days, the Commission has set a strong foundation for the months ahead.

As physical registration kicks off today nationwide, INEC once again appeals to citizens to seize the opportunity, avoid multiple registrations, and ensure they secure their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) well ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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