By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
Ten states have emerged as key battlegrounds ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections following the release of the latest voter registration figures by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The states, which collectively account for some of the largest voting populations in the country, could attract heightened attention from political parties and presidential candidates as preparations for the 2027 polls intensify.
According to figures released by INEC, Lagos State has the highest number of registered voters in the country, with 7,488,633 voters.
Kano State follows with 6,000,570 registered voters, while Kaduna State occupies the third position with 4,000,640.
Katsina State ranks fourth with 3,876,051 registered voters, followed by Oyo State with 3,588,111.
Delta State comes sixth with 3,525,988 registered voters, while Benue State has 3,057,225.
Ogun State ranks eighth with 3,037,981 registered voters, followed by Rivers State with 3,000,734.
Bauchi State completes the top 10 with 3,000,047 registered voters.
The figures were disclosed on Tuesday by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, at the commission’s World Press Conference in Abuja.
The briefing formed part of INEC’s ongoing preparations for the 2027 general elections, with the commission outlining key activities and providing updates on the voters’ register.
The size of the registered electorate in the 10 states places them among the most significant electoral territories in the country, potentially making them important targets for political parties seeking to build broad-based support ahead of the elections.
Lagos, in particular, stands out with a voter population significantly higher than that of every other state. Kano, with more than six million registered voters, also commands a substantial share of the national electorate.
The figures are expected to shape political calculations as parties and candidates begin to assess areas with large concentrations of registered voters.
However, a high number of registered voters does not by itself guarantee victory for any candidate. Actual turnout, voter preferences, the distribution of votes among competing candidates and the electoral system will ultimately determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.
With the release of the updated figures, attention is now likely to focus on how political parties position themselves across these high-electorate states as the country moves closer to the 2027 polls.
Top 10 states by registered voters
Lagos — 7,488,633
Kano — 6,000,570
Kaduna — 4,000,640
Katsina — 3,876,051
Oyo — 3,588,111
Delta — 3,525,988
Benue — 3,057,225
Ogun — 3,037,981
Rivers — 3,000,734
Bauchi — 3,000,047
