INEC ORDERS RECS TO HALT VOTER REVALIDATION PLANS

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By: Balogun Ibrahim

The Independent National Electoral Commission has instructed all Resident Electoral Commissioners to suspend ongoing publicity and logistical arrangements for the proposed voter revalidation exercise.

The directive was conveyed in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

Despite the suspension, INEC advised RECs to continue with essential preparatory activities, including the mobilisation of personnel and readiness of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices.

The notice added that RECs should halt all public communication and planning related to the exercise pending further guidance from the commission.

On Wednesday, the Independent National Electoral Commission announced plans to begin a nationwide voter revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.

Meanwhile, a separate notice titled “Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual)” indicated that the meeting earlier scheduled to be held physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now take place virtually via Zoom.

“Following the notice of meeting dated April 3, 2026, all Resident Electoral Commissioners are hereby informed that the commission’s meeting originally scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. will now be held virtually via Zoom,” the notice stated.

The commission has instructed Resident Electoral Commissioners to stay in their respective states and await login details for the virtual meeting, which will be shared once arrangements are finalised.

“RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login credentials, which will be provided once the meeting is set up,” INEC stated.

The commission also directed that all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise be suspended until further notice.

INEC apologised for any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured the commissioners of its understanding and consideration.