INEC puts voters revalidation plan on hold

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) nationwide to suspend publicity and logistical arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise.

The directive was conveyed in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission’s Secretary.

Despite the suspension, the commission instructed RECs to continue internal preparations, including sourcing personnel and readying INEC Voter Enrolment Devices.
“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.

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The development comes just days after INEC, on Wednesday, announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.

The commission also reviewed its earlier plan to hold a physical meeting with RECs. According to the letter titled Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual), the meeting initially scheduled to take place physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.

“Further to the notice of meeting dated April 3, 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice read.

INEC advised the commissioners to remain in their respective states pending further instructions.

“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.