Osun, Imo, Kano Lead As INEC Reports 2.3m New Voter Registrations

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that a total of 2,316,232 new voters have been registered across the country in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The update, released on Sunday, showed significant variation across states, with Osun State topping the chart with 185,089 completed registrations, followed by Imo State (143,386) and Kano State (132,290). Sokoto State also recorded a strong turnout with 123,320 new registrants.

INEC explained that the new figures represented “completed online and physical registration for Week 12” of the CVR exercise, which began on August 18, 2025, and is scheduled to end in August 2026.

In its statement, the Commission said the publication of figures was part of its ongoing commitment to transparency in the voter registration process.

“This update is part of our effort to maintain transparency in the continuous voter registration process. The figures represent completed online and physical registration for Week 12,” INEC stated.

The electoral body, however, noted that voter registration remained suspended in Anambra State until after the state’s governorship election on November 8, 2025.

“Registration is suspended in Anambra State until after the governorship election on 8th November 2025 in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022,” the Commission clarified.

The latest breakdown showed Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following closely behind the top four with 109,693 and 106,855 registrations respectively, while Borno recorded 106,376.

Other high-performing states include Kogi (91,573), Jigawa (88,209), Zamfara (84,268), and Katsina (80,425). In the South-West, Ogun recorded 71,091, Oyo 64,561, and Ondo 16,012.

States in the middle range include Kaduna (78,282), Kebbi (74,159), Delta (72,311), Niger (69,739), and Akwa Ibom (65,446).

At the lower end of the table, Taraba (17,803), Enugu (16,304), Cross River (14,559), and Abia (12,297) posted the smallest numbers so far.

Analysts note that while the South-West continues to dominate the registration charts, northern states are recording growing participation, driven by local mobilisation efforts.

INEC acknowledged this trend, citing the role of local actors in boosting awareness.

“Community-based organisations, religious leaders, and local officials in several northern states have been actively promoting voter awareness and encouraging eligible residents to register,” the Commission observed.

The CVR exercise, which allows eligible Nigerians to register, transfer polling units, or update their personal information, is expected to continue until mid-2026, ahead of the next general election cycle.