Just Days to Kickoff, INEC Suspends Voter Revalidation Exercise

Just Days to Kickoff, INEC Suspends Voter Revalidation Exercise

By Habiba Abubakar

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend ongoing publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, just days before its scheduled commencement.

INEC 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.

In a letter signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, RECs were initially instructed to begin necessary arrangements, including mobilising personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED) for the exercise.

The commission had also outlined a detailed timeline for the process. According to the schedule, the exercise was to commence at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from April 13 to May 2, proceed to the Registration Area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and conclude at the Polling Unit (PU) level from May 13 to May 19.

However, in a fresh directive, INEC ordered the immediate suspension of all activities related to the exercise. The commission did not immediately provide reasons for the sudden decision.

Meanwhile, INEC also announced a change in the format of its earlier scheduled meeting with RECs. The meeting, initially planned to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m., will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.

The development has raised questions about the next steps in the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.