INEC Registers Over 177,000 New Voters Ahead Edo, Ondo Elections

In preparation for the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Ondo and Edo states, The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revealed a significant surge of over 177,000 in the voter base for both states.

The registration period which spanned from May 26th to June 9th, 2024, saw Edo State with the addition of 119,206 new voters, while Ondo State recorded 58,708 new voters excluding the 8,847 applications for voter transfers into Edo State and the 3,132 applications into Ondo State from other states, along with transfers within both states.

In a statement released by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), Mr. Sam Olumekun mni, he highlighted the meticulous process involved in verifying the data.

Mr. Olumekun further stated that the new voter registrations are being integrated into the existing voter register, and a comprehensive final register will be released soon. This register will be pivotal for the 2024 Governorship Elections in both Edo and Ondo States, marking a crucial step in the democratic process, he said.

With the breakdown of new voters in Ondo state, Owo Local Government Area (LGA) has recorded the highest number, with 6,104 new voters, representing 10.40% of the total 58,708 followed by Okitipupa LGA with 4,689 new voters (7.99%), and Akure South LGA which came third with 4,466 new voters (7.61%).

The demographic analysis showed that females constituted 54.95% (32,261) of the new voters, while males made up 45.05% (26,447). In terms of age groups, youths aged 18 to 35 accounted for the majority, with 46,679 new voters (84.62%). This was followed by the middle-aged group (36-49 years) with 6,090 new voters (10.37%), the elderly (50-69 years) with 2,613 new voters (4.45%), and senior citizens (70+) with 326 new voters (0.56%).

New Voters Grouping By LGAs in Ondo
In Edo State, Ikpoba/Okha LGA recorded the highest number of new registrations with 10,685 new voters (8.96%), followed by Oredo LGA with 10,028 new voters (8.41%) and Ovia North LGA with 8,978 new voters (7.53%).

The gender breakdown in Edo State showed a higher number of male registrants, with 61,684 new voters (51.75%) compared to 57,522 female voters (48.25%). Age-wise, youths aged 18 to 35 were the most significant group, accounting for 81.89% of the new registrations. The middle-aged group (36-49 years) comprised 15,409 new voters (12.93%), the elderly (50-69 years) accounted for 4.62%, and senior citizens (70+) made up 0.48%.
Edo state election has been slated for September 21, 2024 to be followed by Ondo’s Election scheduled for Saturday November 16, 2024