*Kano Leads, As North-West Powers Ahead in Ongoing Voter Registration*

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded a total of 421,422 new registrants across the 36 states of the federation as at February 6, 2026, in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with Kano State posting a significant lead.
Data released by the commission show that Kano State tops the chart with 42,497 registrants, far ahead of other states. Katsina follows with 31,600, while Niger (24,866), Zamfara (22,371), and Kebbi (17,234) complete the top five performing states.
Other strong performers include Benue (17,119), Lagos (17,102), Jigawa (15,384), Akwa Ibom (15,471), Adamawa (15,093), and Bauchi (14,552), indicating a relatively high level of voter mobilisation in parts of the North-West, North-East and North-Central zones.
In contrast, some states recorded comparatively lower figures. Bayelsa posted the lowest number with 2,391 registrants, followed by Ekiti (2,914), Osun (3,218), Anambra (4,639), and Kwara (4,651). Observers note that turnout levels may reflect varying degrees of public awareness, political engagement, urban migration patterns, and confidence in the electoral process.

The North-West zone demonstrated particularly strong participation, with Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa (15,384), Sokoto (10,290), and Kaduna (5,854) contributing significantly to the overall tally.
The North-Central also showed momentum, especially in Niger and Benue, while Plateau (7,328), Nasarawa (9,269), and Kogi (6,013) posted moderate figures.
In the South-South, Akwa Ibom (15,471) and Rivers (11,270) recorded encouraging numbers, while Bayelsa lagged behind. The South-West presented mixed results, with Lagos (17,102) and Oyo (13,585) leading the zone, while Osun and Ekiti recorded lower figures. In the South-East, Enugu (5,707), Ebonyi (5,613), Imo (7,080), Abia (7,182), and Anambra (4,639) showed moderate participation levels.

Political analysts say the figures may shape early projections ahead of future elections, as higher CVR turnout often reflects voter enthusiasm and party mobilisation strength. However, they caution that final voter strength will depend on sustained participation throughout the registration period.
INEC has repeatedly urged eligible Nigerians who have attained voting age or need to transfer or update their voter details to take advantage of the ongoing exercise before the deadline.
As the CVR continues nationwide, stakeholders are expected to intensify sensitisation efforts to boost participation in states currently recording lower numbers.