The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday revealed a significant increase in the voter base, with 119,206 new voters in Edo State and 58,708 in Ondo State. This surge in voter registration, which took place from 26 May to 9 June 2024, is a testament to the growing interest and participation in the electoral process.
However, the figures do not include the 8,847 applications for transfer into Edo State, the 3,132 into Ondo State from other states of the federation, and applications for transfers within both states since they are all already registered voters.
Mr Sam Olumekun mni, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC) highlighted the rigorous process that the data underwent. The figures were initially released on 11 June as preliminary data, subject to claims and objections. After this, the data was meticulously cleaned using the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS), ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the final voter registration statistics.
Mr. Olumekun emphasized the democratic significance of the upcoming 2024 Governorship Elections. He stated that the figures of the new voters are being integrated into the existing register, and the Commission will soon release the comprehensive and final register of voters. This register will be the cornerstone of the 2024 Governorship Elections in both Edo and Ondo States, a crucial step in the democratic process.
The analysis of the new voters in Ondo State revealed that Owo Local Government Area (LGA) had the highest number with 6,104 or 10.40 per cent of the total number of 58,708 voters, followed by Okitipupa (LGA) with 4,689 or 7.99 per cent, while Akure South LGA came third with 4,466 voters of 7.61percent of the total.
Further breakdown showed that females constituted 54.95 per cent or 32,261, while males were 45.05 per cent or 26,447. In terms of age group, youths between 18 and 35 outnumbered all others – 46,679 or 84.62 per cent, followed by the middle-aged (36-49 years)—6,090 or 10.37 per cent; the elderly were 2,613 or 4.45 per cent, while old citizens made up the rest: 326 or 0.56 per cent.
For Edo State, Ikpoba/Okha had the highest number of registered voters—10,685 or 8.96 per cent of the total (119,206)—followed by Oredo LGA with 10,028 or 8.41 per cent and Ovia North LGA with 8,978 or 7.53 per cent.
At the same time, more males – 61,684 or 51.75 per cent registered, compared to females – 57,522 or 48.25 per cent. Coming to age group, just like Ondo State, youths (18-35 years) had the highest score: 81.89 per cent, followed by the middle-aged (36-49 years) – 15,409 or 12.93 per cent; the elderly (50-69 years) – 4.62 per cent and old citizens (70+) – 0.48 per cent.
INEC
