The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed a growing gap between Nigeria’s northern and southern states in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), sparking fresh mobilisation efforts across the North.
Registration Surges in Southern States
Data released by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, shows that more than 3.5 million citizens have completed their online pre-registration within just three weeks of the exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025.
“As of Sunday, September 7, 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have now pre-registered online in three weeks since the commencement of the exercise,” Olumekun disclosed.
The figures show Osun State as the front-runner with 518,635 registrants (14.63%), followed by Lagos (440,647; 12.43%), Ogun (348,217; 9.82%), and Borno (296,409; 8.36%).
By contrast, Kano recorded 66,091, Zamfara 32,784, and Plateau 32,000 — all relatively low compared to their population strength.
Parties Voice Doubts Over South-West Numbers
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Labour Party (LP) have both questioned the unusually high numbers in Osun State.
Bolaji Abdullahi of ADC argued that the data “contradicts historical trends” and demanded a forensic audit. Similarly, Tony Akeni of LP called for scrutiny, warning that “anomalies must not be ignored.”
INEC swiftly dismissed these claims as baseless, with its spokesman Rotimi Oyekanmi stressing that the statistics align with historical voter registration patterns.
Northern Governors Push Back With Campaigns
Governors across northern states have launched fresh mobilisation drives. Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a Task Force to make Kano lead in voter registration.
In Zamfara, a committee has been formed to sensitise residents after low participation. Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule described the situation as disappointing, urging political leaders to mobilise at the grassroots.
Kaduna Governor Uba Sani described the CVR as critical for inclusive governance, directing ministries and community leaders to expand outreach.
INEC Restates Eligibility Rules
INEC has reminded citizens that registration is strictly for those 18 years and above who have never registered before.
“It is illegal for anyone to encourage underage registration or those below 18 years of age to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age of voting by the time the general election is held in 2027,” the commission warned.
Electoral Experts Caution on Regional Disparities
Political analysts suggest that if northern states fail to close the gap, the South’s dominance in voter registration may influence electoral dynamics in 2027.
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