Voter Registration 2025: Low Turnout in South East Raises Concern Despite 3.5 Million Nigerians Registered Nationwide
Story, written by Okafor Joseph September 10,2025
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that more than 3.5 million Nigerians have completed online pre-registration in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
According to INEC’s update, as of September 7, 2025, a total of 3,544,850 Nigerians have registered online within three weeks of the exercise, which began on August 18.
Breakdown of Registration by States
Osun leads with 518,635 pre-registrants, followed by Lagos with 440,647, Ogun with 348,217, and Borno with 296,409. Other high-performing states include Kebbi (193,781), Kaduna (187,480), and the FCT (180,260).
At the lower end of the table, Enugu recorded only 1,203 registrations, Ebonyi 1,616, and Abia 2,629 — making the South East region the weakest in participation so far.
South West and Northern States Mobilize, South East Lags Behind
While the South West has recorded massive participation and northern states have stepped up mobilization, the South East continues to record poor turnout, sparking widespread concern.
Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai recently urged the people of the South East to take voter registration seriously, stressing that political power in a democracy depends on numbers. He appealed to parents and community leaders to mobilize youths ahead of future elections.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Enugu APC chairman Ugochukwu Agballah downplayed the low figures, insisting it was too early to judge. However, he warned against last-minute rushes that could cause congestion. He called on government agencies, traditional rulers, and cultural associations to intensify mobilization campaigns.
Political analyst Nduka Odo linked the low turnout to deep-seated political apathy in the region, rooted in historical grievances. He argued that many residents feel disconnected from the national political system, which has reduced enthusiasm for voter participation.
Similarly, Enugu lawmaker Malachy Onyechi acknowledged the region’s slow start but assured that awareness campaigns were ongoing in rural areas. He noted that many residents often prioritize business activities over voter registration but expressed optimism that numbers would improve with continued sensitization.
The Bigger Picture
Analysts warn that continued voter apathy in the South East could weaken the region’s political bargaining power at the national level. Stakeholders across political, social, and traditional institutions are now calling for urgent action to ensure eligible citizens register ahead of future elections.
