The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise till after the 2027 general election.
Earlier, the electoral body had announced commencement of a nationwide voter revalidation drive, saying that the exercise would begin on April 13, 2026 as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.
According to a letter by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission’s secretary, all RECs were asked to commence necessary preparations for the exercise, including sourcing of personnel and preparation of INEC voter enrolment devices (IVED).
Meanwhile, in a statement released on Friday, INEC’s national commissioner and chairman of information and voter education committee, Mohammed Haruna, said the decision to postpone the move was made at a meeting between the commission and resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
“Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election,” the statement reads.
The electoral body explained that the voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.
“It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register. The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required,” it added.
INEC also expressed commitment to conduct free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.