The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has announced that over 7.4 million citizens have pre-registered online for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the two months since voter registration commenced. This development is a significant step towards the country’s electoral process, as it indicates a substantial interest among Nigerians to participate in the upcoming elections.
According to INEC’s records, the states with the highest number of registered voters so far are Borno, Osun, and Lagos, with 783,546, 632,751, and 590,341 registrations, respectively. On the other hand, Abia has the lowest number of registered voters, with 6,038 citizens pre-registering for their PVCs. The commission has released a detailed breakdown of the number of voters who have registered in each state, providing insight into the electoral landscape of the country.
The voter registration process is a crucial aspect of Nigeria’s democratic system, as it enables citizens to exercise their right to vote and participate in the electoral process. The high number of pre-registrations suggests that Nigerians are eager to have their voices heard in the upcoming elections. The distribution of registered voters across different states also highlights the varying levels of engagement and participation in the electoral process.
INEC’s efforts to facilitate voter registration and increase citizen participation in the electoral process are noteworthy. The commission’s use of online pre-registration has likely contributed to the high number of registrations, making it more convenient for citizens to register for their PVCs. As the electoral process unfolds, it is essential to ensure that all registered voters can exercise their right to vote without hindrance.
The total number of registered voters, currently standing at 7,415,760, is expected to increase as the voter registration process continues. The commission’s announcement serves as a reminder of the importance of citizen participation in the electoral process and the need for all stakeholders to work towards ensuring a free, fair, and credible election. As Nigeria prepares for its upcoming elections, the high number of registered voters is a positive indicator of the country’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law.