By mercy Peter
No fewer than 1,379,342 Nigerians have completed their online pre-registration for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise within the first week of its resumption, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Monday .
The Commission disclosed the figures in its first weekly update released on Monday, ahead of the commencement of in-person registration across its 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide.
According to INEC’s data, young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 34 dominate the process, making up 62.37% (860,286) of registrants.
Women also outnumbered men in the exercise, with 717,856 (52.04%) females compared to 661,846 (47.96%) males.
In terms of occupation, students accounted for the largest share with 374,534 (27.15%), while 27,089 persons with disabilities (1.96%) also registered in the first week.
INEC explained that the new phase of the CVR provides two options for eligible citizens: either completing the process fully in person at registration centres, or beginning online and finalising at designated physical centres.
“Physical registration kicks off today in our 811 State and Local Government offices nationwide. This will afford those who prefer the in-person option to register at the centres and those who chose the online pre-registration method to complete their registration,” said Sam Olumekun, mni, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
Olumekun reiterated that the exercise is strictly for Nigerian citizens aged 18 years and above who have never registered before.
He warned that double or multiple registration remains a violation of the law, although provisions exist for inter-State and intra-State transfers of voter registration, as well as replacement of lost or damaged voter cards.
The CVR exercise, which began on Monday, August 18, 2025, will run for one year until August 30, 2026.
However, INEC cautioned prospective registrants against waiting until the final days of the exercise.
“From experience, registration centres are inundated by eleventh-hour registrants amidst appeals for extension of time. We urge citizens to take advantage of the ongoing exercise now,” Olumekun added.
INEC has published the full breakdown of the registration statistics—by state, gender, age, occupation, and disability status—on its official website and social media platforms for public information.
The Commission says the numbers demonstrate both public enthusiasm and the growing influence of young people in shaping Nigeria’s electoral future.
