The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released a new register of voters for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. This announcement came on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, after INEC’s regular weekly meeting. The commission revealed that the total number of registered voters in Edo State has now reached 2,629,025, while the figure for Ondo State has climbed to 2,053,061.
These numbers represent significant growth compared to the 2023 General Election. In Edo State, there has been a 4.9 percent increase over the 2023 election’s total of 2,501,081 voters, while Ondo State’s number of registered voters has grown by 3.0 percent, up from the 1,191,344 voters recorded in February 2023.
INEC’s statement, delivered by Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee (IVEC), explained that the new register integrates newly registered voters from the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Additionally, it includes successful applications for voter transfers from other states of the federation to Edo and Ondo States.
Breakdown of the New Voter Register for Edo State
The data for Edo State reveals some interesting patterns. Out of the total 2,629,025 voters, 1,370,061, or 52.11 percent, are male, while 1,25,964, or 47.89 percent, are female. Youths, defined as individuals between 18 and 35 years old, make up the largest portion of voters, with 983,133 voters, or 37.40 percent of the total. They are followed closely by middle-aged voters, those between 36 and 49 years old, who account for 34.80 percent, numbering 914,806. The elderly, between 50 and 69 years old, comprise 20.17 percent, with 530,244 voters. Meanwhile, senior citizens, aged 70 years and above, make up just 7.64 percent, or 200,842 voters.
In addition, the number of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) in the voter register stands at 4,199, representing just 0.16 percent of the total.
Occupational Distribution in Edo State
INEC’s data also offers insights into the occupations of registered voters in Edo State. Students form the largest occupational group, accounting for 33.05 percent of the total. This is followed by business people, including men and women, who make up 18.55 percent. Farmers and fishermen come next, representing 10.90 percent of the registered voters. Traders make up 10.58 percent, and “others,” a category that encompasses various unspecified occupations, constitute 10.25 percent. Artisans account for 7.58 percent of the registered voters, civil servants 4.75 percent, public servants 2.70 percent, and housewives 1.65 percent.
Local Government Area Breakdown in Edo State
The data from INEC also provides a breakdown of the registered voters by Local Government Area (LGA) in Edo State. Ikpoba/Okha has the highest number of voters, with 400,495 registered voters. It is followed by Oredo, which has 357,371 registered voters, and Egor, with 242,266.
Breakdown of the New Voter Register for Ondo State
In Ondo State, the voter register reveals that 1,034,006 voters, or 50.36 percent, are male, while 1,019,055, or 49.64 percent, are female. Youths between the ages of 18 and 35 also make up the largest group of voters, with 726,944 registered voters, accounting for 35.41 percent. The middle-aged group, aged 36 to 49, is not far behind, with 721,982 voters, or 35.17 percent. Senior citizens, those aged 50 years and above, number 162,619, or 7.92 percent of the registered voters.
There are 1,782 Persons With Disabilities (PWD) included in the Ondo State voter register.
Occupational Distribution in Ondo State
When it comes to the occupational distribution in Ondo State, students also lead the pack, making up 33.85 percent of the total registered voters, or 694,938 voters. Traders form the second-largest group, with 324,006 voters, representing 15.78 percent of the total. Farmers and fishermen follow closely behind, accounting for 13.50 percent of the total, with 277,144 registered voters. Business people represent 10.56 percent, numbering 218,598, while artisans account for 10.36 percent, with 212,608 voters. Public servants form 2.19 percent of the total, while housewives make up 0.79 percent, and “others” constitute 6.74 percent, with 138,453 voters.
Local Government Area Breakdown in Ondo State
The distribution of voters across the Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Ondo State also shows interesting trends. Akure South has the highest number of registered voters, with 314,710. It is followed by Ondo West, with 190,666 voters, Odigbo with 154,382, and Ilaje with 147,208.
Collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)
In his statement, Olumekun also announced that INEC would soon release the timetable for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for all categories of voters in Edo and Ondo States. This will include new voters, those who applied for transfers, and any others who are yet to collect their PVCs. The announcement of this timetable is expected in the coming days, and it will provide crucial information for voters to ensure they are ready to participate in the upcoming governorship elections.
The release of the new voter register is a significant step in the preparation for the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo States. The increase in the number of registered voters in both states is a clear indication of growing political engagement among the population. With the majority of voters in both states being young people, this election could see a vibrant and energetic electorate, eager to shape the future of their states.
The breakdown of voters by occupation and Local Government Area provides a detailed picture of the electorate, offering insights into the various sectors of society that will play a role in the election. As the process moves forward, the focus will shift to the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which will be a critical step in ensuring that all registered voters are able to exercise their right to vote.
