The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
The commission had earlier scheduled the exercise to commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a prior communication signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, RECs were instructed to begin groundwork, including mobilisation of personnel and deployment of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs).
According to the earlier timetable, the exercise was to be conducted in phases—starting at the local government level from April 13 to May 2, followed by registration areas from May 5 to May 11, and concluding at polling units from May 13 to May 19.
However, in a fresh directive, the commission ordered an immediate halt to all related activities.
“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 also announced a change to the format of its scheduled meeting with RECs, shifting it from a physical gathering to a virtual session.
“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 added.
The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await further instructions, including access details for the virtual meeting, while apologising for any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process.