2027: INEC suspends planned voter revalidation exercise

The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The commission had earlier announced that the exercise would commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The commission disclosed this in a letter dated April 4, 2026, signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, its Secretary.

INEC, however, asked all RECs to continue necessary preparations for the exercise, including sourcing personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices.

“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the notice stated.

On Wednesday, INEC had announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, the letter, titled Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual), stated that the meeting with RECs earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now be conducted virtually.

“Further to the notice of meeting dated April 3, 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident electoral commissioners scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice read.

The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details, which will be shared once arrangements for the virtual meeting are concluded.

“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details, which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” INEC said.