The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered an immediate suspension of a key electoral activity, halting all publicity and arrangements for its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive, issued in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was sent to all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country.
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.
The decision marks a sudden shift in the Commission’s earlier plan to commence the exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the next general elections.
Despite suspending public-facing activities, INEC directed RECs to continue internal preparations, including sourcing personnel and getting the INEC Voter Enrolment Devices ready.
In a related move, the Commission also rescheduled its upcoming meeting with RECs, switching 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 read.
The Commission instructed all RECs to remain in their respective states pending further communication.
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.
INEC reiterated that all activities related to the voter revalidation exercise must remain on hold until further notice, expressing regret over any inconvenience caused by the abrupt changes.
