The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The decision has triggered concerns among stakeholders over procedural gaps and the commission’s level of preparedness for the upcoming polls.
INEC Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, in a statement dated April 4, 2026, directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to halt ongoing publicity and arrangements for the exercise, while advising them to await further directives.
She, however, noted that the RECs should continue with internal preparations, including sourcing ad hoc personnel and preparing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other voter enrolment devices.
The commission had earlier announced that the voter revalidation exercise would commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The suspension comes amid growing criticism from stakeholders over the timing and transparency of the exercise, with concerns that it could affect voter participation.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, described the initiative as a commendable policy introduced at an inappropriate time, warning that it could have unintended consequences on the electoral process.
He noted that while voter revalidation could help clean up the register and improve credibility, its timing close to a major election cycle could disenfranchise eligible voters due to logistical challenges and limited public awareness.
Itodo further stressed that the framework, scope, and implications of the exercise were not clearly communicated to the public, adding that such a sensitive electoral process requires transparency and adequate stakeholder engagement.
He warned that introducing the exercise amid ongoing voter registration and impending party primaries could overstretch the system, confuse voters, and suppress participation.
Also, a public affairs analyst, Awalu Anka, urged INEC to act with patriotism and impartiality, noting that the commission must avoid actions that could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, INEC announced that its scheduled meeting with RECs would now be held virtually, directing commissioners to remain in their respective states and await further details.
