THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians completed their online pre-registration in the first week of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which ran from August 18 to 24, 2025.
According to INEC’s CVR State Pre-Registration Report, released on Monday made available to News Point Nigeria, Osun State recorded the highest number of pre-registrations with 393,269 entries, representing 28.51 percent of the national total.
Lagos State followed closely with 222,205 registrations (16.11 percent), while Ogun State posted an impressive 132,823 (9.63 percent).
Other states with significant turnout included the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 107,682 registrations (7.81 percent), Oyo State with 66,951 (4.85 percent), Kaduna State with 61,592 (4.47 percent), and Kogi State with 58,546 (4.24 percent).
North-West & North-Central:
Kaduna’s 61,592 entries were joined by Kebbi’s 35,009, Kogi’s 58,546, Niger’s 24,818, and Nasarawa’s 11,555. Kano and Katsina posted modest figures at 10,166 and 11,004 respectively.
North-East:
Borno led the region with 21,045 registrations, followed by Bauchi (13,066), Gombe (4,103), Taraba (2,395), and Adamawa (2,155). Yobe recorded a strong 34,888, placing it among the top-performing states.
South-South:
Delta State contributed 24,421 registrations, Rivers had 11,314, Akwa Ibom 12,373, Cross River 4,055, and Bayelsa 4,638. Edo recorded a low 2,875.
South-West:
Beyond Osun, Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo, Ondo registered 3,426 while Ekiti and others were not prominently listed.
South-East:
The region recorded the lowest turnout nationwide, with Ebonyi (261), Enugu (484), Imo (481), and Abia (772) posting minimal figures. Anambra’s tally was not listed separately, raising concerns about voter mobilisation in the zone.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the CVR exercise would run for a full year, ending on August 30, 2026.
He explained that while the first phase involved online pre-registration, the physical capture of biometrics began nationwide on Monday, August 25. Both fresh applicants and those who pre-registered online are required to complete their registration at designated INEC centres.
The CVR will be conducted at 811 centres nationwide, including all 774 local government offices and state headquarters, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
Olumekun added that the process also accommodates transfers of voter registration within or across states, replacement of lost or damaged cards, and updates of personal details.
“Once again, the commission appeals to the public that the ongoing voter registration is only open to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years old and who are not already registered voters. Double or multiple registration is a violation of the law,” Olumekun stressed.
He also assured that special arrangements had been made to guarantee accessibility for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has urged residents to take advantage of the CVR to ensure strong participation in future elections.
Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, appealed to citizens to register early and avoid last-minute rushes.
He advised individuals who lost their Permanent Voter Cards or needed transfers to make use of INEC’s online portal; www.cvr.inecnigeria.org for convenience.
“Active participation in this process will guarantee that citizens have a voice in electing leaders of their choice when the time comes,” Thomas said.
With over 1.3 million pre-registrations in the first week alone, analysts say the momentum could indicate strong voter enthusiasm ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the low turnout in the South-East has raised concerns, electoral expert, Donatus Ihue told News Point Nigeria that, inadequate mobilisation in the region could affect future representation.
INEC has pledged transparency and inclusiveness in the exercise, while urging Nigerians to avoid multiple registrations and to treat the year-long opportunity as a vital step toward strengthening democracy.