Nigeria’s National Register of Voters has risen to more than 103 million as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.
The development follows the completion of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise and the subsequent biometric verification and cleanup of voter records.
The latest figure represents a significant increase in the number of Nigerians captured on the electoral register and comes as the country moves closer to the next general elections.
The Continuous Voter Registration exercise recorded more than 10.7 million new registrations across the country. The exercise was conducted in phases, allowing eligible Nigerians who had not previously registered, as well as those requiring updates to their voter information, to participate.
The first phase recorded 2,611,266 new registrations, while the second phase produced 4,121,835 registrations. The third phase added another 3,867,997 new registrants.
Following the registration exercise, the voter register underwent biometric verification designed to identify and remove duplicate or irregular records.
The cleanup process is aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of the register before it is used for the 2027 elections.
With the register now exceeding 103 million voters, the electoral commission faces the major task of ensuring that eligible voters are properly captured, verified and able to participate in the electoral process.
The next major stage will be the collection of Permanent Voter Cards by registered voters.
Nationwide PVC collection is expected to begin on Friday, October 9, 2026, with newly produced cards distributed to Local Government Area collection centres.
Registered voters are expected to visit the appropriate collection centres to obtain their cards and ensure they are ready to participate in the elections.
The electoral commission has also provided opportunities for citizens to check their voter information and identify possible errors or irregularities.
The verification process is important because mistakes in names, personal information or registration details could create difficulties for voters if they are not corrected before election day.
The commission has continued to encourage Nigerians to take the necessary steps to confirm their registration status and ensure that their details are accurate.
The 2027 elections are scheduled to take place in two major phases, with the presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, followed by the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on February 6, 2027.
As the election dates draw closer, political parties and candidates are expected to intensify their preparations and campaigns across the country.
The large number of registered voters also highlights the enormous logistical responsibility involved in conducting elections across Nigeria.
From the distribution of PVCs to the deployment of election officials and voting equipment, the electoral commission will have to coordinate activities across thousands of polling units.
Technology is also expected to remain an important part of the electoral process.
Measures involving the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System are being strengthened, while additional equipment and technical improvements are being introduced as part of preparations for the elections.
The commission is also working to improve the electronic transmission and management of election results.
For voters, however, participation begins long before election day.
Eligible citizens who have completed registration are expected to ensure they have their Permanent Voter Cards and understand where they are expected to vote.
The commission’s efforts to clean up the voter register are also aimed at ensuring that the final list reflects eligible voters and reduces the possibility of duplicate or invalid records.
The growth of the voter register to more than 103 million demonstrates the scale of Nigeria’s electorate and the importance of adequate preparation ahead of the 2027 elections.
It also places responsibility on voters to participate peacefully and responsibly while relying on accurate information throughout the electoral process.
With millions of Nigerians now captured on the register, attention will increasingly turn to PVC collection, voter education, election logistics and preparations by political parties.
The updated voter register is therefore a major milestone as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 general elections
