Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has raised concerns over the South-East’s position as Nigeria’s geopolitical zone with the lowest number of registered voters, describing the development as a serious political issue that deserves attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Sani expressed his concerns in a post on his X account on Saturday, October 10, questioning whether the figures reflected the registration patterns of people from the region who live in other parts of the country or inadequate mobilisation to encourage eligible residents to register.
According to the former lawmaker, the South-East’s relatively low voter registration figures raise important questions about political participation, voter education and the efforts being made to encourage eligible citizens to exercise their democratic rights.
“The South-East has the lowest number of registered voters in the country. This is a serious political issue for the region,” Sani wrote.
He suggested two possible explanations for the situation, arguing that many people from the region might have registered to vote in other states where they reside, while inadequate mobilisation and public enlightenment could also account for the figures.
“The problem is either that many people from the region decided to register and vote in other states or there was no mobilisation and enlightenment on the need for people to register,” he added.
Sani’s comments have drawn attention to the importance of voter registration as political parties and prospective candidates prepare for the 2027 elections.
Beyond determining the number of people eligible to vote, registration figures often influence political discussions about electoral participation, mobilisation strategies and the distribution of voting strength across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The former senator also questioned the relationship between literacy levels and voter registration, pointing to what he described as a contrast between the North-West and the South-East.
“The North-West is the lowest in literacy rate and the highest in voter registration. A thought for political scientists,” he said.
His observation raises a broader question about the factors that determine political participation in Nigeria. Literacy levels alone do not explain voter registration patterns, which can also be influenced by population size, migration, political mobilisation, access to registration centres and public awareness of electoral processes.
Consequently, understanding the South-East’s position requires examining the available electoral data alongside demographic factors and the effectiveness of voter registration campaigns across the region.
Figures published by The Guardian on October 6, citing the 2026 national voter register, put the total number of registered voters in Nigeria at 103,428,715. The North-West accounted for 25,083,411 registered voters, while the South-East recorded 11,976,218, representing approximately 11.58 per cent of the national total. These figures illustrate the difference in registered voter numbers between the two geopolitical zones.
However, the number of registered voters should not be confused with actual voter turnout. Registration establishes eligibility to participate in an election, while turnout depends on how many registered voters eventually cast their ballots.
The distinction is important because a region’s electoral influence depends not only on the size of its registered electorate but also on the participation of eligible voters during elections.
Sani’s remarks come as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties, campaign organisations and civic groups expected to intensify their engagement with voters.
The South-East also occupies an important position in Nigeria’s national political debate, particularly following the emergence of Peter Obi, who hails from Anambra State, as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, according to the report that prompted Sani’s comments.
For political organisations seeking support in the region, the registration figures present an opportunity to assess their mobilisation strategies and strengthen engagement with eligible voters.
Political parties and civic organisations may need to pay greater attention to voter education, particularly among young people and eligible citizens who have yet to complete their registration or confirm their registration details.
At the same time, residents who have relocated to other parts of the country may need to ensure that their registration information reflects their circumstances and that they understand the applicable procedures for transferring their registration where necessary.
The Independent National Electoral Commission remains central to the process through voter registration, the maintenance of the national register and the provision of information about electoral procedures.
Nevertheless, effective voter mobilisation also requires sustained public awareness campaigns and cooperation among community leaders, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Sani’s intervention has therefore brought renewed attention to a question that extends beyond regional competition: how can Nigeria improve electoral participation and ensure that eligible citizens are adequately informed and prepared to take part in democratic processes?
As the country approaches another general election, the challenge for political stakeholders will be to translate concern about registration figures into practical efforts that encourage eligible citizens to participate.
For the South-East, the priority will be to understand the reasons behind its relatively low share of registered voters and determine what measures can improve participation before Nigerians head to the polls in 2027.
