Jigawa, Lagos, Sokoto lead as INEC reports 1.2m new voter registrations
Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission has reported over 1.2 million new voter registrations, with Jigawa, Lagos, and Sokoto leading the numbers.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria has announced a significant increase in voter registrations during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, with 1,228,648 citizens registering as of February 13, 2026. This is a notable rise from the previous figure of 884,737 registrations at the end of Week Five. The registration data indicates that the surge is fueled by both online pre-registrations and physical registrations at designated centers, showcasing the commission's efforts to enhance democratic participation.
In terms of regional contributions, Jigawa state topped the registrations with 98,698 new voters, accounting for 8.03 percent of the total. Following Jigawa are Lagos and Sokoto, with 86,307 and 77,004 new registrations, respectively. This trend highlights the states' efforts to engage citizens in the democratic process, especially in the run-up to upcoming elections. The statistics reflect the demographics of the registrants, with a notable majority of female participants and a significant number of youths aged between 18 and 34, who comprise 69 percent of the new registrants.
This uptick in voter registration signifies a growing interest in electoral participation among Nigerians, which could potentially reshape the political landscape as the country approaches elections. INEC's ongoing initiatives and the public's response demonstrate a commitment to increasing voter turnout and involvement, essential for the strengthening of Nigeria's democracy. The reported numbers also underscore the importance of accessible registration processes, both online and offline, to ensure that all eligible citizens have the opportunity to participate in the electoral system.