By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immediately suspend all publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
The directive, contained in a notice signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, also announced that the commission’s scheduled meeting with RECs—initially planned as a physical gathering for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 am—will now be held virtually via Zoom.
The commission had earlier announced, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, that the voter revalidation drive would commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections. A subsequent letter from the secretary instructed RECs to begin necessary preparations, including sourcing personnel and readying INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED).
The originally published timeline for the exercise was as follows: the exercise would begin at the Local Government Area level from April 13 to May 2, 2026, then move to the Registration Area level from May 5 to May 11, 2026, and subsequently to Polling Unit level from May 13 to May 19, 2026.
However, the latest notice from INEC has put all these arrangements 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 read.
Regarding the upcoming meeting, INEC advised RECs to remain in their respective states. Login details for the virtual session will be shared once the meeting setup is complete. The commission expressed regret for any inconvenience caused by these changes and assured RECs of its consideration.
