By Adeyemi Adeleye
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says Lagos State recorded a total of 328,362 new registrants during phases one and two of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise .
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Ayobami Salami, disclosed this on Wednesday during a stakeholders’ engagement on Phase III of the CVR exercise held at the INEC State Collation Centre, Sabo-Yaba.
Salami said that 154,726 of the new registrants, representing 47 per cent, were males, while 173,636, representing 53 per cent, were females.
He added that about 63 per cent of the new registrants were between ages 18 and 39, while 21 per cent were within ages 40 and 49.
According to him, statistics indicate that about 84 per cent of fresh registrants in the state are below 50 years of age.
The REC described the ongoing Phase III of the CVR exercise as the final phase of voter registration before the 2027 General Elections.
Salami said: ““During phases one and two of the exercise, Lagos State recorded a total of 328,362 new registrants.
“This Phase III of the CVR exercise, which commenced on Monday, May 11, 2026 and will end on July 10, 2026, represents the final phase of voter registration for the current electoral cycle.
“It is therefore important that no eligible voter is left behind.
“The exercise provides opportunity for fresh registration by citizens who have attained the age of 18 years, as well as for those seeking transfer of voting rights, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction or update of personal information.”
Salami said the commission had retained the online pre-registration option to ease the process and reduce pressure at registration centres.
“For clarity, eligibility for registration requires that an applicant must be a citizen of Nigeria, must be at least 18 years old, must be ordinarily resident in the area of registration, and must not be under any legal incapacity as prescribed by the Constitution and the Electoral Act.
“New registrations must, however, be completed physically at designated registration centres,” he said.
The REC said the commission had introduced targeted intervention exercises in areas experiencing congestion and accessibility challenges during previous CVR exercises.
“INEC Lagos State is mindful of some challenges experienced in some Local Government Areas during previous CVR exercises.
“In response, the commission introduced targeted intervention exercises in such LGAs, as well as mega CVR intervention exercises across the three senatorial districts, thereby bringing registration closer to the citizens.
“The results from these initiatives are encouraging and similar intervention measures will be sustained during this final phase to further expand access and encourage greater participation,” he said.
Salami said registration services would continue uninterrupted at INEC state offices in all the 20 Local Government Area offices throughout the exercise.
He added that the CVR rotational schedule and other updates would be regularly published on INEC Lagos State official social media platforms for public awareness.
The REC also cautioned against multiple registrations and provision of false information, describing such acts as electoral offences.
He urged stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, security agencies, political parties and the media, to mobilise eligible residents for the exercise.
“The credibility of the 2027 General Elections will be shaped by what we do now.
“If we get the CVR right, we strengthen voters’ confidence, reduce electoral disputes and deepen democratic legitimacy.
“I ,therefore, urge you to take ownership of this process by mobilising your communities, sensitising eligible citizens and supporting peaceful participation throughout the exercise,” Salami said.
According to him, CVR exercise remains the foundation upon which credible elections are built.
The REC added: “The credibility of 2027 General Elections will largely depend on the quality, integrity, and inclusiveness of the voters’ register we compile through this exercise.
“A clean and comprehensive register does not only ensure that every eligible Nigerian is given the opportunity to vote, it also protects the sanctity of the ballot which is anchored on the principle of one person, one vote.”
Speaking, Mr James Adeshina, State Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party and Publicity Secretary, Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), noted that the party and the council had been doing their best to mobilise people for CVR exercise.
Advising INEC to do more on engagements, Adeshina said, “We must let people know the importance of voter cards, that their future and future of their unborn children one way or the other are attached to it.
“Our people need to understand that they do not need to be tired or give up on governance. This is the only power now to vote out bad government and vote in good leaders,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, who called for collective responsibility to ensure peaceful registration and election, assured stakeholders that police and other security agencies were fully ready to protect everyone involved.
“We are journeying towards 2027 elections, we must join hands together. Our duty is to protect those involved in the registration process and we are fully prepared. Lives of the people must be secure and we are not going to relent.” Fatai said.
Contributing, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, who was represented by a white cap chief,Ayodele Oyekan, the Bajulaiye of Lagos, said traditional institutions were doing their best in sensitising their subjects, but INEC needed to do more .
Advising market leaders and youths, Akiolu said, ” This is your time now to take what belongs to you, without PVC, you cannot participate in the election. You have the opportunity to register now, take it.
“By the Grace of God, there won’t be any violence and bloodshed anywhere. Shun violence and don’t let anyone use you for violence purposes.”
Speaking, the Iyaloja General of Nigeria, Chief Folashade Tinubu-Ojo,who was represented by the Iyalaje of Computer Village, Chief Busayo Falomo, urged INEC to do more to sensitise residents and ease the process in order to make registration and PVC collection faster for traders.
Tinubu -Ojo, who urged INEC to communicate more with the people on how to collect their PVCs, lamented that many market men and women who registered before 2023 were yet to get their PVCs.
Speaking, State Chairman, National Youth Council of Nigerian, Mr Ibrahim Adigun, said the only power to fight bad governance was through the PVCs.
Also, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mrs Christiana Salmwang, emphasised the need for the safety and security of corps members during elections.