The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election.
The decision was reached on Friday during a meeting between the Commission and Resident Electoral Commissioners, where key electoral issues were reviewed.
In a statement signed by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the Commission confirmed the development, stating, “Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election.”
INEC explained that the voter revalidation exercise remains a critical part of its responsibilities, aimed at ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the National Register of Voters. The process is designed to verify existing voter records, correct personal details, remove duplicate or ineligible entries, and strengthen the integrity of the voter database.
The Commission also noted that the exercise would provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm and update their information where necessary.
Despite the postponement, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting credible elections, stressing that it “remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”
In a letter dated April 4, the Commission had earlier instructed all Resident Electoral Commissioners to suspend publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise.
The directive, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, asked RECs to halt all arrangements related to the exercise.
While the letter also indicated that preliminary preparations such as sourcing personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices should begin, it emphasised that all public announcements and implementation plans must be put on hold pending further instructions.
“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.
INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the change and assured commissioners that the decision was made after careful consideration.
The Commission had earlier scheduled the nationwide voter revalidation exercise to begin on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.
What you should know
INEC has postponed the nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election, despite earlier plans to begin in April 2026.
The exercise is meant to update the voter register by verifying records, correcting errors, and removing ineligible entries. The Commission directed Resident Electoral Commissioners to halt all publicity and preparations pending further notice.
While the delay may affect voter data updates, INEC insists it remains committed to conducting credible, free, and fair elections.
The move suggests a shift in electoral priorities as preparations continue toward the 2027 polls across the country.
