The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says more men than women are now dominating the ongoing nationwide voter registration exercise.
According to the latest update from the Commission, as of September 4, 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have pre-registered online since the process began on August 18. Out of this figure, 1,709,933 are male (48.24%) while 1,834,917 are female (51.76%).
In a statement signed by Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, when combined with physical, in-person registration, the balance tilts in favour of men. From the 288,614 completed physical registrations so far, 132,634 (45.96%) are male while 155,980 (54.04%) are female. The cumulative figure now shows men taking the lead in total voter enrolment.
INEC also noted that young people are still driving the process, with 2,291,809 (64.65%) of online pre-registrants and 215,414 (74.64%) of physical registrants falling between the ages of 18 and 34.
Students make up the largest occupational group, accounting for 882,441 (24.89%) of online registrants and 114,150 (39.55%) of physical registrants.
The Commission said both online and completed registrations have been uploaded to its website and social media platforms for public scrutiny.
It also said from this week, it would present the combined figures of both online and in-person registrations in a single graphic format for easier analysis.
INEC commended the high turnout and the role of civil society organisations in mobilising citizens but warned against underage registration.
“Voter registration is only open to citizens who are 18 years or older at the time of registration. It is illegal for anyone to encourage underage persons or those below 18 to register in anticipation that they will attain the legal age before the 2027 elections,” the statement read.
