INEC voter registration data shows 7.4 million Nigerians pre-registered, with Borno leading. Youth and female participation remain dominant

INEC voter registration data released on Monday has shown that a total of 7,415,760 Nigerians completed their online pre-registration during week eight of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, spanning October 6 to 12, 2025.

Also read: Tokunbo Wahab declares tougher action on illegal reclamation

The process, which began on 18 August 2025, has seen robust engagement across the country, particularly among youths and women.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 52.28 percent of those pre-registered were female (3,877,330), while males accounted for 47.72 percent (3,538,430).

The youth demographic remained at the forefront, with 5,095,056 registrants aged between 18 and 34. Students also formed a significant portion, with 1,873,848 recorded, alongside 168,680 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

A notable regional shift was observed as Borno State topped the list with an impressive 783,546 pre-registrations. Osun followed closely with 632,751, ahead of Lagos with 590,341.

Other high-performing states included Kebbi (557,778), Ogun (489,282), and Kaduna (471,375).

The trend indicates a growing momentum in the North, where states such as Kano (388,354) and Kogi (341,277) also reported strong numbers.

This surge has been credited to increased mobilisation by community-based organisations, religious leaders, and local officials, particularly in the North-East and North-West.

In contrast, states such as Abia (6,038), Edo (11,166), Ebonyi (12,489), and Ondo (17,121) recorded the lowest numbers, pointing to potential gaps in voter awareness or access.

In a related update, INEC reported that during week seven (October 6–10, 2025), 1,502,733 Nigerians completed both online and physical registration.

Among them, 878,715 had pre-registered online, while 674,018 completed their physical verification.

Women again led participation with 828,563 (55.14%), while youth registrants totalled 1,106,731, and students accounted for 507,097. PWDs made up 21,244 of the registrants that week.

Until recently, the South-West had dominated registration figures. However, the recent spike in the North — particularly in Borno and Kebbi — signals a successful drive in civic engagement through localised awareness campaigns.

Also read: Tokunbo Wahab declares tougher action on illegal reclamation

As the 2026 general elections draw nearer, these figures highlight both progress and regional disparities in voter participation, with INEC expected to continue ramping up efforts to ensure inclusivity across the federation.