INEC Postpones Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise Until After 2027 General Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise, originally slated to begin on April 13, 2026, until after the 2027 General Elections.
The decision was reached at a meeting between INEC leadership and all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
In a press statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the Commission noted that the exercise, intended to verify and clean the National Register of Voters, will now be deferred.
“The voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register.”
“The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.”
“INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.”The statement concluded.
The postponement follows intense criticism from major opposition parties, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders, who cautioned that conducting the exercise only months before the 2027 elections could lead to significant voter disenfranchisement.
