The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 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 begin on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections. Preparations were already underway, including arrangements for personnel and deployment of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED).
According to a letter signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, RECs have now been instructed to halt all related activities pending further directives.
INEC also announced a change in its scheduled meeting with RECs. The meeting, initially planned to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, will now take place virtually via Zoom. Commissioners have been advised to remain in their respective states and await login details for the session.
“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.
Earlier timelines released by INEC indicated that the exercise would begin at the local government level from April 13 to May 2, move to the registration area level from May 5 to May 11, and conclude at polling units from May 13 to May 19.
The commission expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes, assuring RECs that further updates would be communicated in due course.
