The one-week analysis of new voter registration released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who questioned the integrity of the figures.
According to INEC, 1,379,342 Nigerians pre-registered online between August 18 and 24. The data shows Osun State leading with 393,823 registrants (28.51%), followed by Lagos with 222,205 (16.11%). At the bottom of the table, Ebonyi recorded just 261 registrants.
INEC defended the figures, insisting they were consistent with the 2021/2022 Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, when Osun State also topped nationwide registration.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) rejected the explanation, accusing INEC of laying the groundwork for data manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party demanded a forensic audit of the registration figures, particularly from the South-West.
The ADC also urged other opposition parties to unite in demanding transparency and accountability from INEC, while calling on the international community to closely monitor Nigeria’s electoral process.
