The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections.
The decision was announced in a statement on Friday by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, following a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
“Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election,” the statement said.
INEC had earlier scheduled the exercise to begin on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the next general elections. However, preparations were halted earlier this month.
In a separate directive dated April 4, 2026, INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed all RECs to suspend publicity and logistical arrangements for the exercise.
The postponement comes amid growing concerns from stakeholders over the timing, transparency, and level of consultation surrounding the proposed revalidation process. Critics had questioned whether adequate input was sought on a move considered critical to election management.
With the exercise now deferred, attention is expected to shift to other preparations ahead of the 2027 polls, as INEC navigates calls for broader engagement and trust-building in the electoral process.
