The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to immediately suspend ongoing publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
The decision comes just days after the commission had earlier announced that the exercise would begin on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update Nigeria’s voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an earlier communication signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, INEC had instructed RECs to begin necessary preparations. These included mobilising personnel and ensuring the readiness of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED) for the exercise.
According to the initial timetable released by the commission, the revalidation exercise was to be conducted in phases. It was scheduled to begin at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from April 13 to May 2, move to the Registration Area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and conclude at the Polling Unit (PU) level between May 13 and May 19.
However, in a new development, the commission has halted all such plans pending further directives.
INEC also announced a change in the format of its upcoming meeting with RECs. The meeting, which was originally scheduled to be held physically on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m., will now take place virtually.
“Further to the notice of meeting dated 3rd April 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 11.00am will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice stated.
The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await further instructions, including login details for the virtual meeting.
“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.
Most notably, the commission ordered that all activities related to the voter revalidation exercise be put on hold.
“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 added.
INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes and assured the commissioners of its consideration as further decisions are expected in the coming days.
