INEC postpones voters revalidation till after 2027 polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of the nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election. The decision was reached during a meeting between the commission and resident electoral commissioners on Friday, 10 April 2026.

​Mohammed Kudu Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee, said the commission remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, and inclusive elections. The proposed exercise was originally intended to verify and review existing voter records ahead of future polls.

​The revalidation exercise is a critical component of the commission’s mandate to maintain a credible National Register of Voters. Its primary objectives include ensuring the accuracy of personal data, eliminating duplicate entries, and removing ineligible names from the database.

​By reviewing these records, the commission aims to strengthen the overall integrity of the electoral process. The exercise also provides registered voters with a formal opportunity to confirm their details and make necessary corrections to their personal information.

​Despite the postponement, the commission reiterated its dedication to maintaining a transparent voter register. Deliberations during the meeting in Abuja focused on the logistical requirements of the 2027 general election, leading to the resolution to defer the revalidation.

​The commission noted that the postponement would not affect its broader commitment to electoral standards. Efforts will continue to focus on preparing for the upcoming general election to ensure a credible and inclusive outcome for all Nigerians.