INEC Halts Voter Revalidation Exercise Over Timing, Transparency Concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise following mounting concerns from stakeholders over its timing and implementation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The exercise, initially scheduled to begin on April 13, 2026, was designed to verify and update voters’ records to improve the accuracy of the electoral register. However, in a statement dated April 4, 2026, INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immediately halt all publicity and preparations related to the exercise.

While the suspension takes effect, RECs have been instructed to await further directives and continue internal preparations, including sourcing ad hoc staff and getting the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other registration tools ready.

The decision comes amid criticism from election stakeholders, who raised concerns about the transparency, timing, and level of consultation surrounding the exercise.

Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, described the initiative as commendable but poorly timed. He noted that while voter revalidation could help eliminate errors, duplicate entries, and deceased persons from the register, introducing it so close to a major election cycle could negatively impact voter participation.

According to Itodo, limited public awareness, tight timelines, and possible logistical challenges could prevent many eligible voters from completing the process, potentially disenfranchising them.

He argued that such an exercise would be more appropriate immediately after a general election, when there is ample time for planning, stakeholder engagement, and public sensitisation without disrupting electoral activities.

Itodo further warned that with Continuous Voter Registration still ongoing, party primaries approaching, and funding delays already straining INEC’s preparations, adding a nationwide revalidation exercise at this stage could overwhelm the system and confuse voters.

Similarly, Kaduna-based public affairs analyst Awalu Anka urged INEC to act with caution, stressing that the commission must uphold public trust by ensuring its actions reflect fairness, transparency, and national interest. He added that INEC should review its programmes carefully to avoid decisions that could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, INEC also announced a change to its upcoming meeting with RECs. The meeting, initially scheduled to hold physically at its Abuja headquarters on April 9, 2026, will now take place virtually. Commissioners have been advised to remain in their respective states and await further details.

The commission apologised for any inconvenience caused and reassured stakeholders of its commitment to credible and inclusive electoral processes.