2027: Lagos Leads as INEC Puts Nigeria’s Voter Register at Over 103 Million

Lagos, Kano and Kaduna have the highest number of registered voters ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, according to figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed the figures on Tuesday at the commission’s World Press Conference in Abuja, saying the national voter register had risen to more than 103 million, up from 93,469,008 registered voters recorded for the 2023 general elections.

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Lagos tops the list with 7,488,633 registered voters, followed by Kano with 6,000,570 and Kaduna with 4,000,640. Katsina ranks fourth with 3,876,051, while Oyo has 3,588,111 and Delta 3,525,988. Benue has 3,057,225, Ogun 3,037,981, Rivers 3,000,734 and Bauchi 3,000,047.

The new figures highlight the distribution of registered voters across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory ahead of the presidential, governorship and legislative elections. However, analysts have cautioned that a larger voter register does not automatically translate into higher turnout, citing voter apathy, insecurity and economic hardship as possible factors.

Meanwhile, Amupitan said INEC was reviewing the Supreme Court’s September 24, 2026 judgment in the case involving the commission and the Zenith Labour Party after receiving the Certified True Copy of the judgment on October 6. He said the commission had also received complaints from political parties, aggrieved aspirants and members of the National Assembly seeking clarification on the implications of the ruling for the 2027 elections.

The Supreme Court judgment restored Sections 77(5), 77(6), 77(7) and 84(2) of the Electoral Act 2026 concerning political parties’ membership registers and procedures for nominating candidates. Amupitan said INEC would determine its position after reviewing the judgment and the issues raised by stakeholders.

The commission also announced that the 2027 Register of Voters will be displayed nationwide from October 9 to 15, 2026, allowing Nigerians to scrutinise their details and raise claims or objections. INEC said Phase One distribution of Permanent Voter Cards to Local Government Centres would also begin on October 9.

Amupitan further announced the introduction of an online registration portal and printable PVC technology, saying the initiatives were designed to reduce barriers to voter registration and end prolonged waiting for physical voter cards. The final register is expected to be presented to political parties on December 15, 2026.