Women have emerged as the majority among newly registered voters as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recorded 3.87 million fresh registrations in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Figures released by the electoral body showed that female participation accounted for a higher proportion of the newly captured voters, reflecting increased involvement of women in Nigeria’s electoral process.
INEC, has announced that 3,867,997 Nigerians successfully completed the online and physical registration process in the eleventh week of Phase III of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to figures released by the commission on Wednesday, women accounted for the majority of new registrants, with 2,037,589 registrations, representing 52.68 per cent of the total. Male registrants stood at 1,830,408, representing 47.32 per cent.
INEC disclosed that 1,170,134 registrations were completed online, while 2,697,863 were carried out at physical registration centers across the countryThe commission also revealed that youths aged between 18 and 34 dominated the exercise, accounting for 2,602,960 registrants or 67.29 per cent of the total. Those aged 35 to 49 years recorded 843,757 registrations, while 386,095 registrants were between 50 and 69 years. Citizens aged 70 years and above accounted for 35,185 registrations.
On occupational distribution, students formed the largest category of registrants with 892,946 registrations, followed by businesspersons with 810,452.Other groups included farmers and fishers (649,358), housewives (640,569), artisans (204,660), traders (175,206), civil servants (97,328) and public servants (65,114).
INEC further reported that 41,092 persons with disabilities registered during the exercise. Of this figure, 20,601 were classified under the “Others” category, while 7,038 persons had albinism.
The commission also recorded registrations from persons who are blind, deaf, autistic, physically challenged, of little stature, living with Down syndrome, spinal cord injuries and cognitive learning disabilities.A state-by-state breakdown showed that Kano recorded the highest number of completed registrations with 330,906, followed by Lagos with 181,254, Delta with 166,895, Edo with 156,150, Ebonyi with 146,507 and Sokoto with 145,160.
Ekiti recorded the lowest figure with 2,276 registrations, while Ondo recorded 23,824
INEC noted that no registration took place in Osun State due to the forthcoming governorship election. The commission said the suspension was in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.
The development underscores a growing trend of stronger female engagement in voter registration, as women continue to play a more active role in shaping the country’s democratic landscape.
The latest registration figures also point to sustained interest among young Nigerians, who remain a significant part of those participating in the exercise.
INEC has continued efforts to expand voter participation by updating the register and providing opportunities for eligible citizens to complete their registration ahead of future elections.
The commission said the exercise remains a key part of preparations to ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process, with emphasis on capturing eligible voters and maintaining an accurate voters’ register nationwide.
