The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed that over 1.3 million Nigerians pre-registered online in the ongoing continuous voter card registration. The online exercise, which started on Monday, August 18, saw Osun State with the highest applicants of 393,269, representing 28.15%.
In a statement made by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the online exercise saw a total of 1,379,341 Nigerians registered nationwide in one week. The figures covered from Monday, 18th August 2025, to Sunday, 24th August 2025.
In further breakdown, INEC noted that out of the total online voter card applicants in the first week, 661,846 (47.96%) were male and 717,856 (52.04%) were female. Also, 374,534 students, representing 27.15% applied while the figure for persons with disability was 27,089 (1.96%).
The exercise saw a large participation from youth as young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constitute the majority of the registrants with 860,286 (62.37%). The middle-aged (35-49) recorded 341,594 (24.76%), the elderly (50-69) saw 157,352 (11.41%), while the Old age group (70+) recorded 20,120 (1.46%) in one week.
The online pre-registration on an occupational basis is as follows:
- Business: 342,363 (24.82%)
- Trading: 161,137 (11.68%)
- Artisan: 139,643 (10.12%)
- Farming/Fishing: 127,329 (9.23%)
- Housewife: 77,556 (5.6%)
- Civil Servants: 40,727 (2.95%)
- Public Servants: 21,975 (1.59%)
- Others: 95,078 (6.82%)
In furtherance of the continuous voters registration (CVR), the physical registration commenced today across all INEC’s 811 state and local government offices nationwide. While the online pre-registration ends in December 2025, the physical registration is expected to hold from now until 30th August 2026.
“Physical registration kicks off today in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide. This will afford those who prefer the in-person option to register at the centres and those who chose the online pre-registration method to complete their registration,” the statement reads.
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Online pre-registration: State-by-State breakdown by INEC
In the online pre-registration statistics for the first week, based on state, Osun State recorded the highest applicants of 393,269 (28.15%), followed by Lagos with 222,205 (16.11%). Other states in the first five are Ogun: 132,823 (9.63%), FCT Abuja: 107,682 (7.81%) and Oyo: 66,951 (4.85%).
At the other end, Ebonyi State saw the least number of online voter card applicants in the first week, with just 261 (0.02%). Other states in the bottom five are Imo: 481 (0.03%), Enugu: 484 (0.04%), Abia: 772 (0.06%) and Adamawa: 2,155 (0.16%).
Notably, the statistics are not enough to make early conclusions on participation rate or apathy, considering the availability of the physical registration.
While encouraging participation, INEC explained that the ongoing voter registration is only open to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old and who are not registered voters. Double or multiple registration is a violation of the law.
In addition, the inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT transfer of voters is available during the ongoing CVR. Other activities available are the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, information update, and placing requests for PVC for those who already possess a temporary voters card.
“However, the Commission urged all intending registrants not to wait until the deadline approaches when, from experience, the registration centres are inundated by eleventh hour registrants amidst appeals for extension of time,” part of the statement reads.
As Nigerians look forward to the 2027 General Elections, hands are expected to be on deck for necessary preparations across the board. As the primary function of the INEC towards an election is the nationwide continuous voter registration, the board is aiming to carry out both online and physical exercises on a good note. This will also help in gaining public trust.
For the online pre-registration, Nigerians can visit the INEC’s registration portal
