All resident electoral commissioners (RECs) have been instructed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to suspend publicity and preparations for the upcoming voter revalidation process.
In an attempt to update the voter registration prior to the 2027 general election, INEC had on Wednesday announced that it would start a nationwide voter revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026.
The commission requested that all RECs start making the necessary preparations for the process, including hiring staff and setting up INEC voter enrolment devices (IVED), in a letter signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
The letter also listed the timeline for the exercise.
According to the schedule, the exercise was to start at the LGA level from April 13 to May 2, then proceed to the registration area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and finally to the polling units (PUs) from May 13 to May 19.
The commission announced that its meeting with RECs, which was originally planned to take place in person on Thursday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m., will now take place online using Zoom.
“Further to the notice of meeting dated 3rd April 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 11.00am will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice reads.
INEC recommended that RECs remain in their home states and wait for login information, which would be sent after the virtual meeting’s arrangements are finalised.
“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” INEC said.
The commission further stated that until new instructions are received, all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation process should be halted.
“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 added.
Additionally, INEC also expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes, assuring the commissioners of its consideration.
