2017: National voter turnout now stands at 103 million, INEC says

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday said that the country’s national voter roll now stands at 103 million ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof Joash Amupitan disclosed this in a keynote address at a strategic workshop for editors organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in collaboration with INEC in Abuja.

Amupitan said, in accordance with Article 10 of the 2026 Election Law, the first phase of Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) began on August 25 2025 and ended on December 10 2025 with a total of 2,611,266 registered voters.

He said, in phase II of the election which was held from January 5 to April, there were 4,121,835 voters recorded, while in phase III which was held from May 11 to July 26, the KPU recorded 3,867,997 voters.

“Total new registrations reached 10,772,421, subject to Automatic Biometric Identification System (ABIS) verification which is currently being completed.

“In the third stage, we introduced Online Registration Portal technology to eliminate distance and time barriers.

“Furthermore, we are introducing Printable PVC technology in line with Section 18(1) of the Elections Act 2026 to ensure that waiting months to get a card is no longer a thing of the past.

“After the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) implementation, which captured more than 10.6 million new applicants, and the completion of the Preliminary List display for claims and objections, our Voter List Department has completed the final cleaning of the Automatic Biometric Identification System (ABIS).

“Nigeria’s National Voter Register now numbers over 103 million,” Amupitan said.

He promised that the commission is committed to ensuring that no voter is disenfranchised.

He however mentioned the situation in Osun where some PVCs were stolen before the election and how the commission took swift action to ensure that no voter was deprived of their right to vote in the election.

“I would like to note that during the Osun elections, when PVCs from some wards in some local governments were stolen, the people thought they would lose their rights completely. Instantly, we used this technology to print, not to deactivate, the stolen PVCs.

“We also implemented a downloadable PVC, which voters use and cast their vote, just to ensure inclusivity and that no one is disenfranchised.”

He reminded Nigerians that the nationwide PVC collection would begin on October 9, and urged the public to come out and collect their cards.

“We have completed the processing and distribution of PVC Phase 1 to all regional government centers.

“We appeal to the Nigerian Association of Editors and all media executives present to utilize your platforms to inform the public, explain collection locations and encourage registered voters to immediately collect their cards,” Amupitan said.