INEC suspends publicity for planned voter revalidation exercise

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and arrangements for the proposed voter revalidation exercise earlier scheduled to begin later this month.

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

According to the notice, while publicity and logistical arrangements for the exercise have been halted, RECs are expected to continue internal preparations, including sourcing personnel and getting the INEC Voter Enrolment Devices ready.

“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the letter stated.

The development comes just days after the electoral body announced plans to launch a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the national voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Meanwhile, INEC also announced a change in the format of its upcoming meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.

In another notice titled “Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual)”, the commission disclosed that the meeting earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m., will now be conducted virtually.

“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 statement read.

INEC advised the commissioners to remain in their respective states and await the login details that will be sent to them once arrangements for the virtual meeting are finalised.

“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details, which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” the commission said.

The electoral body also reiterated that all publicity and preparations relating to the voter revalidation exercise should remain on hold pending further instructions.

INEC expressed regret for any inconvenience the sudden changes might cause and assured the commissioners of its appreciation for their cooperation.