The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that more than 6.2 million Nigerians successfully completed their online voter pre-registration ahead of the next general elections. The figure marks a significant milestone in the country’s electoral process, reflecting growing interest among citizens in exercising their democratic rights through digital platforms.
According to INEC, the online pre-registration exercise, which was introduced to make the process more accessible and efficient, has recorded wide participation across the states. The Commission explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing long queues at registration centers and encouraging eligible citizens, especially first-time voters, to take advantage of technology in preparing for elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed that the registration drive was part of the Commission’s broader efforts to expand voter access and strengthen credibility in the electoral process. He emphasized that the platform provided Nigerians with an opportunity to commence their registration online before visiting designated centers for biometric capture and final validation.
The Commission further revealed that young Nigerians, particularly those between the ages of 18 and 34, accounted for the highest number of participants in the online pre-registration exercise. This, according to INEC, signals a renewed interest in political participation among the youth demographic, which has historically been underrepresented in voter turnout.
INEC officials noted that while the online registration numbers are impressive, the Commission is also working to ensure that those who started the process complete it by undergoing biometric verification at registration centers. The Commission warned that failure to finalize the process would render the pre-registration invalid, urging participants to take the final step before the deadline.
In addition to expanding access, INEC highlighted challenges faced during the exercise, including technical glitches, limited internet penetration in rural areas, and security concerns in some parts of the country. The Commission, however, reassured Nigerians that it is committed to addressing these challenges while strengthening transparency and inclusiveness in the electoral system.
With the successful completion of the online pre-registration phase, INEC has urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to seize the opportunity to do so. The Commission reiterated its determination to conduct credible, free, and fair elections, stressing that an updated and comprehensive voter register is a critical foundation for achieving that goal.
