by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 1,379,342 Nigerians completed their online pre-registration within the first week of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, held between August 18 and 24, 2025.
According to INEC’s CVR State Pre-Registration Report released on Monday, Osun State recorded the highest number of pre-registrants with 393,269 entries, representing 28.5 percent of the national total. Lagos followed with 222,205 (16.1 percent), while Ogun ranked third with 132,823 (9.6 percent).
The Federal Capital Territory recorded 107,682 registrations, while Oyo, Kaduna, and Kogi posted 66,951; 61,592; and 58,546 respectively. Kwara (33,726), Kebbi (35,009), and Yobe (34,888) also had significant participation.
In contrast, the South-East recorded the lowest figures nationwide, with Ebonyi registering only 261 voters — the lowest in the country — followed by Enugu (484) and Imo (481).
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said the CVR will run for one year, ending on August 30, 2026. He explained that both new applicants and those who pre-registered online are required to complete their registration physically at INEC centres, where their biometrics will be captured.
The commission noted that voter transfers, replacements of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and updates of personal information are permitted under the exercise. Registration is ongoing at 811 centres across the country, including all 774 local government offices, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
INEC reminded citizens that registration is open only to Nigerians aged 18 and above who have never registered before, warning that multiple registrations remain illegal. It also assured that special provisions have been made to accommodate persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has urged residents to take full advantage of the exercise. The Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, said active participation would empower citizens to elect leaders of their choice in future elections.
He advised residents seeking transfers, replacements, or corrections to use the INEC online portal at www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.