Ilorin Emirate Sets Ambitious Voter Registration Goal
Adedayo Akinwale of Abuja and Hameed Shittu of Ilorin.
As the 2027 elections approach, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that over 3.4 million new voters have been registered in the latest phase of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) initiative, with a significant focus on involving young people and women.
However, due to the regional council elections held on February 21, voter registration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains suspended, in accordance with Article 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.
In its 13th week update, INEC indicated that as of April 3, a total of 3,441,121 individuals had registered nationwide, encompassing both online pre-registration and in-person registrations at designated centers.
Among those registered, 2,068,384 completed the process online, while 1,372,737 did so through physical walk-ins. Notably, students constituted the largest demographic, making up 35.92% of enrollees with 1,235,931 participants, followed by traders at 20.40% with 701,912 registrations, and farmers and fishermen at 18.28% with 615,967 registrations. Additionally, 48,330 individuals with disabilities registered during this period.
The participation rate among young voters was significant, with 2,354,768 registrants between the ages of 18 and 34, representing 68.43% of the total. Gender distribution revealed that women outnumbered men, with 1,922,143 female registrants (55.86%) compared to 1,518,978 male registrants (44.14%).
State-wise data indicates that Jigawa leads with 201,047 registrants, accounting for 5.84% of the national total. This is followed by Lagos with 181,095 registrants and Kano with 177,681. INEC has clarified that these figures are provisional and subject to verification through an automated biometric system after the appeals window closes.
Ilorin Emirate Council Aims for One Million Registered Voters
In a proactive move, the Ilorin Emirate Political Consultative Council recently announced its target of registering one million voters as part of its CVR efforts, with the goal of amplifying political engagement in preparation for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The council is striving to unify its voter base, ensuring they support all parties and candidates who acknowledge its collective goals and values. National Coordinator Dr. Yakubu Oloriegbe emphasized this commitment while addressing journalists about the current developments in the region.
Reflecting on the progress achieved since the launch of the CVR initiative last year, Oloriegbe stated that the council aims to add an additional 300,000 new voters to its existing base of over 700,000 across the Kwara Central Senatorial District. He noted that a second-quarter assessment of the registration activities showed “steady and encouraging progress” throughout the emirate.
Oloriegbe expressed optimism about the upcoming third phase of the CVR exercise, which is expected to begin shortly. He believes that collaborative efforts will allow the voter base to significantly grow to an average of one million by the conclusion of the registration process.
To bolster mobilization, Oloriegbe has collaborated with traditional and religious leaders, youth organizations, artisans, transportation groups, and market associations to enhance participation. He is also working closely with INEC to facilitate voter education, ensuring that eligible citizens are well-informed and motivated to register.
Beyond voter registration, he outlined a collective political strategy for the 2027 elections, underscoring the Emirate of Ilorin’s commitment to a united stance. The council intends to back political entities and candidates who genuinely reflect the aspirations and values of the Emirate, while also reminding local stakeholders of the importance of maintaining electoral participation through the ongoing CVR initiative. While advocating for inclusivity, Oloriegbe warned against any attempts to undermine the political significance of the Kwara Central Senatorial District.
