The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday revealed that a total of 1,379,342 Nigerians completed the online pre-registration process in the first week of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, conducted from August 18 to 24, 2025, DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS reports.
This was disclosed in the CVR State Pre-Registration Report released by the commission and shared with journalists.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state of origin – Osun State emerged with the highest number of pre-registrations, recording an impressive 393,269 registrants, the largest share by percentage at 28.51 percent.
This was closely followed by the President’s adopted State of origin – Lagos State, recording 222,205 entries, a commanding 16.11 percent of the national total. Ogun also had a strong turnout with 132,823 pre-registrations, representing 9.63 percent.
The Federal Capital Territory recorded 107,682 registrations, contributing 7.81 percent to the total, while Oyo added 66,951 (4.85 percent), Kaduna 61,592 (4.47 percent), and Kogi 58,546 (4.24 percent). Kwara and Kebbi recorded 33,726 and 35,009, respectively, while Yobe had 34,888 pre-registrations.
In the South-South region, Delta contributed 24,421 registrations, while Rivers recorded 11,314, and Akwa Ibom added 12,373. Cross River and Bayelsa recorded 4,055 and 4,638, respectively.
Edo State had 2,875, while Ondo added 3,426.
The North-East also showed strong involvement, with Borno leading that region at 21,045 registrations. Bauchi followed with 13,066, Adamawa recorded 2,155, Gombe had 4,103, Taraba 2,395, and Yobe again stood out with nearly 34,888.
In the North-West, Kaduna’s 61,592 was joined by Kano’s 10,166 and Katsina’s 11,004. Jigawa posted 8,243 registrations, Kebbi’s 35,009 placed it among the top-performing states, while Sokoto and Zamfara registered 12,478 and 2,947, respectively.
North Central states also saw significant participation, with Niger recording 24,818 registrations and Nasarawa 11,555. Plateau had 6,586, Benue 7,305, and Kogi’s high figure placed it among the leading states.
In the South-East, registration figures were notably low. Ebonyi registered only 261 individuals, the lowest in the country. Enugu and Imo also recorded minimal figures at 484 and 481, respectively. Abia added 772, while Anambra was not listed separately.
In a statement on Monday by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, INEC said the Continuous Voter Registration exercise will run for a full year and is scheduled to end on August 30, 2026.
Meanwhile, the commission commenced the physical phase of the CVR on Monday across the country.
Both new applicants and those who pre-registered online are expected to complete their registration in person at INEC centres, where their biometrics will be captured.
The commission also clarified that transfers of voter registration within or across states, as well as replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, are allowed under the ongoing CVR process.
INEC stated that the “CVR exercise will take place at 811 centres across the country, including all 774 Local Government Area offices and State offices.
“Registration will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. The process is open only to Nigerian citizens who are at least 18 years of age and have never registered before.”
The commission has also made arrangements to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups.
INEC’s online portal — www.cvr.inecnigeria.org — offers services including pre-registration, PVC status checks, locating registration centres, transferring voter information, replacing lost or damaged cards, and updating personal details.
The commission reminded the public that the registration is strictly for Nigerian citizens who are 18 years and above and who have not previously registered. It reiterated that double or multiple registrations are illegal.
According to the statement, eligible voters can use the CVR period to transfer their registration from one location to another or to replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards.
“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 registered voters. Double or multiple registration is a violation of the law.
“However, inter-State/FCT and intra-State/FCT transfer of voters as well as the replacement of lost or damaged voter cards are allowed during the CVR,” the national commissioner noted.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State government, on Monday, urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise and register in large numbers ahead of the next general elections.
The Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development, Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, made the appeal on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital.
He explained that INEC would only attend to fresh registrants at its local government offices across the state as part of efforts to ease the challenges often encountered during voter registration.
Thomas advised individuals who had lost their Permanent Voter Cards, needed transfers, or had defaced cards to register online via https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.
He further enjoined residents to participate fully in the registration process, stressing that active involvement would ensure they are able to elect leaders of their choice when the elections come.
