The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend ongoing publicity and arrangements for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
In an earlier communication, the commission had announced plans to commence the exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
A letter signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed RECs to begin necessary preparations, including sourcing personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED).
According to the initial schedule, the exercise was to begin at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from April 13 to May 2, proceed to the Registration Area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and conclude at the Polling Unit (PU) level from May 13 to May 19.
However, in a subsequent notice, INEC directed that all preparations and publicity activities be put on hold pending further directives from the commission.
The commission also announced a change in the format of its scheduled meeting with RECs. The meeting, earlier slated to hold physically on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m., will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.
“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 notice stated.
INEC advised all RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details for the virtual meeting.
“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” it added.
The commission expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured the commissioners of its consideration.