INEC Halts Voter Revalidation Plans, Orders RECs to Stand Down

The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country to stop ongoing publicity and arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise. The directive was issued through a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

The decision affects the voter revalidation exercise earlier scheduled to begin on April 13, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. While suspending public announcements and outward activities, the commission instructed the commissioners to continue internal preparations, including getting personnel ready and preparing voter enrolment devices.

The commission also announced a change in its meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners. The meeting, which was initially planned to hold physically on April 9, will now take place online.

Commissioners have been asked to remain in their respective states and wait for further details on how to join the virtual meeting.

The move comes shortly after INEC had publicly revealed its plan to begin updating the voter register nationwide. However, with the new directive, all public-facing steps related to the exercise have been put on hold until further instructions are given.

INEC added that it regrets any inconvenience caused by the sudden change and assured the commissioners that more guidance will be provided soon.