The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded over 3.4 million new voters in the ongoing second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise across the country, reflecting growing civic participation ahead of future elections.
According to the commission’s week 13 update released on Wednesday in Abuja, a total of 3,441,121 registrations had been completed as of April 3, covering both online pre-registrations and physical walk-ins at designated centres nationwide.
INEC disclosed that 2,068,384 citizens completed their registration through its online pre-registration platform, while 1,372,737 others registered physically, indicating a strong uptake of digital channels alongside traditional in-person processes.
A breakdown of the data across states showed that Jigawa recorded the highest number of registrants with 201,047 entries, representing 5.84 per cent of the total figure. Lagos followed with 181,095 registrations, while Kano ranked third with 177,681, underscoring strong participation across both northern and southern regions.
Demographic analysis revealed that youth participation remains the driving force behind the exercise. Citizens aged between 18 and 34 accounted for 2,354,768 registrants, representing 68.43 per cent of the total, highlighting the growing political awareness and engagement among Nigeria’s younger population.
Gender distribution figures indicated a higher turnout among women, with 1,922,143 female registrants, representing 55.86 per cent, compared to 1,518,978 male registrants, who accounted for 44.14 per cent. The data points to a notable shift in voter engagement dynamics, with women playing an increasingly prominent role in the electoral process.
In terms of occupation, students formed the largest group of new voters, with 1,235,931 registrations, representing 35.92 per cent of the total. This was followed by individuals engaged in business activities, who accounted for 701,912 registrations, or 20.40 per cent, while those involved in farming and fishing recorded 615,967 registrations, representing 18.28 per cent.
INEC also reported that 48,330 Persons with Disabilities registered during the period, reflecting ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity and ensure broader participation in the electoral process.
Despite the impressive figures, the commission emphasised that the numbers remain provisional. It explained that the data would undergo further verification and clean-up during a period designated for claims and objections, after which the Automated Biometric Identification System would be deployed to eliminate duplicate or invalid entries and enhance the integrity of the voter register.
The commission further noted that voter registration remains temporarily suspended in the Federal Capital Territory in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022, following the Area Council Election held on February 21. The suspension is part of regulatory provisions designed to maintain order and compliance within the electoral process.
INEC urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to take advantage of the ongoing exercise by visiting its official registration platforms before the deadline, stressing that early participation would help avoid last-minute congestion and ensure a smoother process.
The latest figures underscore a significant level of public interest in the electoral process, with youths, women, and students emerging as key drivers of voter registration, potentially shaping the dynamics of future elections in the country.
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