By Joy Odor Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that 1,379,342 Nigerians have completed their online pre-registration for voter cards within the first week of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The nationwide online registration commenced on Monday, August 18, and within seven days, hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians seized the opportunity to begin the process ahead of the 2026 general elections.
According to INEC’s update press statement signed by Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee informed that women account for a slight majority of registrants, with 717,856 (52.04%) compared to 661,846 men (47.96%).
Youths between the ages of 18 and 34 dominate the figures with 860,286 (62.37%), while students make up the largest occupational group at 374,534 (27.15%).
In addition, 27,089 persons with disabilities (1.96%) have registered so far.
INEC noted that full details of the breakdown by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability have been published on its official platforms for public access.
Meanwhile, physical registration officially commenced today, August 25, across the Commission’s 811 offices nationwide, giving Nigerians the option of in-person registration.
Those who pre-registered online are also expected to visit these centres to complete their biometrics.
The Commission reiterated that the CVR is open only to citizens who are at least 18 years old and have not previously registered.
It warned against double or multiple registration, which is prohibited by law.
However, transfers between states or within the FCT, as well as replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, are allowed.
INEC reminded the public that the exercise will run for one year until August 30, 2026, and urged intending registrants not to delay until the deadline approaches.
“From experience, last-minute rush leads to congestion at registration centres and appeals for extensions of time,” the Commission cautioned.
