The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called for comprehensive reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as new data shows Kano, Sokoto, and Lagos leading the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Kano Tops Registration Figures
According to registration data released by INEC, Kano State leads all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 61,128 completed registrations as of June 5, 2026. Sokoto follows closely with 38,006 registrations, while Lagos has recorded 35,811. Other states with high registration numbers include Kaduna (32,928), Jigawa (32,969), and Delta (30,925).
Regional Breakdown
The North-West region leads with 229,428 completed registrations, followed by the North-East with 131,324, the North-Central with 130,151, the South-South with 107,189, the South-West with 84,674, and the South-East with 74,684.
The CVR is currently suspended in Ekiti and Osun states until the conclusion of their off-cycle governorship elections scheduled for June 20 and August 15, respectively.
Lowest Registrations
Ondo State has the lowest number of completed registrations with 4,510, followed by Akwa Ibom (6,800), Plateau (8,026), Borno (10,474), and Kwara (10,779).
PRP Chairman Calls for Reform
Speaking in Abuja, PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed emphasized the need to insulate INEC from undue political influence. He advocated for a review of the appointment process for the INEC chairman, national commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to reduce executive control.
Baba-Ahmed also called for budgetary independence for INEC, allowing the commission to defend its budget before the National Assembly without executive interference. He urged tougher sanctions for electoral malpractices and violence, noting that perpetrators are rarely punished.
“Politicians who compromise the electoral process must face the consequences of their actions. The culture of impunity must end,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed, a former secretary to INEC, warned that any election lacking credibility could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions. He added that broader reforms aimed at strengthening key institutions like INEC would be central to the PRP’s restructuring agenda for the country.
Preparations for 2027 General Election
The voter registration exercise, which is part of preparations for the 2027 general election, is expected to conclude in August. This timeline will allow INEC to clean up the register and remove names of individuals with double registrations.
