2027: INEC directs RECs to suspend plans on voter revalidation exercise

Amupitan

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise.

On Wednesday, INEC said it would 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.

In a letter signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, its secretary, the commission asked all RECs to commence necessary preparations for the exercise, including sourcing of personnel and preparation of INEC voter enrolment devices (IVED).

The letter also listed the timeline for the exercise.

The timeline shows that the exercise will begin at the LGA level from April 13 to May 2, before moving to the registration area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and subsequently to polling units (PUs) from May 13 to May 19.

The commission said its meeting with RECs earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00am will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.

“Further to the notice of meeting dated 3rd April 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 11.00am will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice reads.

The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details, which will be shared once arrangements for the virtual meeting are concluded.

“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.

The commission added that all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise should be put on hold pending further directives.