The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that over 2.5 million Nigerians have completed their online voter pre-registration since the nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise began on August 18. According to an update released by Mr. Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, this milestone reflects a significant response from citizens.
As of the latest update, the cumulative figure stands at 2,532,062, with 1,218,482 (48.12%) males and 1,313,580 (51.88%) females. In terms of age, the majority, 1,602,484 (63.29%), are between the ages of 18 and 34. Students make up 647,528 (25.57%) of the total. The commission appreciates the efforts of organizations that have mobilized civic participation in the exercise, contributing to its success.
In addition to online registration, the in-person registration process began on August 25. As of August 29, a total of 72,274 citizens had either completed the pre-registration process or registered anew within five days. Of this number, 35,622 (49.29%) were male and 36,652 (50.71%) were female. These figures indicate a steady start to the in-person registration component of the CVR exercise.
The CVR exercise is a critical component of Nigeria’s electoral process, aiming to ensure that all eligible citizens are registered to vote. The process allows for both new registrations and updates to existing voter information. With the exercise still ongoing, INEC continues to encourage eligible Nigerians to participate, either online or in person, to ensure their voices are heard in future elections.
The significant turnout for both online and in-person registration reflects the growing interest of Nigerians in the electoral process. As the CVR exercise continues, INEC will likely face the challenge of maintaining momentum and ensuring that all eligible citizens are given the opportunity to register. The success of this exercise is pivotal for the credibility and inclusivity of Nigeria’s electoral system, underscoring the importance of citizen participation in the democratic process.