The State of the Living Spring, Osun, has reinforced its growing electoral dominance by posting the highest number of new voter registrations in the ongoing nationwide exercise. According to fresh figures released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday, September 7, 2025, Osun sits at the top with 518,635 registrations, while Lagos – Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre – trails with 440,647.
Ogun State secured the third position with 348,217 registrations, followed by Oyo, Ondo, and Ekiti, underscoring Osun’s remarkable mobilization in the South-West zone.
The outcome has surprised many political watchers, given Lagos’ larger population and reputation as the country’s electoral heavyweight. Analysts suggest Osun’s surge reflects more effective grassroots mobilization, rising political awareness, and coordinated community-driven campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls.
But in Lagos, the figures have sparked worry and sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly the Action Democratic Party (ADP), which has positioned itself as the emerging voice of accountability in the state.
Reacting to the development, Barrister Adewale Bolaji, Chairman of the Action Democratic Party, (ADP) Lagos Chapter, described the figures as “a clear embarrassment and a wake-up call” to residents of Lagos.
“With all our numbers, vibrancy, and youth population, it is shameful that Lagos is trailing Osun in voter registration. This is not about capacity but about the complacency, voter apathy, and political disillusionment created by years of misrule in Lagos. Lagosians must rise now and take charge of their political destiny,” he said.
Bolaji emphasized that while the ruling party appears comfortable with dwindling civic participation, the ADP is actively engaging communities, markets, youth groups, and professional associations to mobilize registrations across all 57 local council areas.
“We are already leading a door-to-door mobilization campaign because Lagos deserves better. We cannot allow indifference to hand over our future to a government that has squandered our commonwealth and piled debts on our children. ADP is the new rallying point for genuine opposition in Lagos, and we are determined to match Osun’s spirit of participation,” he declared.
Civil society groups and electoral observers have also urged Lagosians to seize the opportunity, warning that failure to register could weaken the state’s traditional influence in shaping national outcomes.
With less than 18 months to the 2027 general elections, INEC has urged all states to maintain orderliness, avoid multiple registrations, and ensure timely collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
For many, however, the story of the moment is clear: Osun may be smaller in size, but it has proven once again that political energy, not population figures, determines electoral strength. The onus, according to the ADP, is now on Lagosians to reclaim their place through renewed civic participation.
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