2027: Women take lead as newly registered voters hit 2.5m
Women have emerged as the largest group in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). INEC’s latest figures show that females outnumber men among Nigerians who have so far registered, both online and in person, since the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration […]
Women have emerged as the largest group in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
INEC’s latest figures show that females outnumber men among Nigerians who have so far registered, both online and in person, since the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
A statement signed by INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, revealed that out of 2,532,062 citizens who pre-registered online as of August 31, women account for 1,313,580, or 51.88 percent, compared with 1,218,482 men, or 48.12 percent.
The gender gap was also reflected in the in-person registration, which began on August 25. Within the first five days, 72,274 citizens had either completed their pre-registration or newly registered. Of these, women again formed the majority at 36,652, or 50.71 percent, while men made up 35,622, or 49.29 percent.
“In terms of age, the majority – 1,602,484 (63.29 percent) – are between the ages of 18 and 34, while 647,528 (25.57 percent) are students,” he added.
Olumekun said the commission was encouraged by the strong turnout of women, noting that the CVR is designed to accommodate all eligible Nigerians. “The Commission is aware that there are citizens who have no access to online facilities or those who prefer to register in person. Consequently, our staff have been deployed to attend to eligible citizens at the Commission’s 811 state and local government offices nationwide,” he explained.
He urged women who had started the process online to ensure they completed their biometrics in person. “Without appearing physically at designated centres, the online process alone remains invalid,” he said.
INEC also commended civic groups and organisations that have been mobilising women to participate actively in the exercise.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, Lami Danladi Ogenyi, has urged Nigerians to take the ongoing CVR seriously, stressing that their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain their strongest political weapon. Speaking to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday, she said she had already set up a mobilisation committee across the 10 wards of Ado Local Government Area to drive participation.
She added that logistics had been factored into the mobilisation plan, with arrangements for motorcycles and buses to transport supporters to registration centres.