The African Democratic Congress on Wednesday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to explain reports about a possible nationwide voter revalidation exercise, warning that such a move, if true, could affect the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party made this known through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, who said the request became necessary after reports emerged about a leaked memo suggesting that registered voters might be asked to confirm or update their details again. He stated that Nigerians deserve a clear response from the electoral body on whether such a plan exists.
According to him, introducing a fresh step in the voter process less than a year to the general elections could create confusion and discourage many citizens from taking part in the polls. He explained that many Nigerians had already gone through the stress of registration, and asking them to repeat part of the process might reduce their willingness to vote.
The party also raised concerns about voters who may not be able to travel to designated centres within a limited time frame. It warned that such people could be left out of the process, which may affect their right to vote in the elections.
The ADC added that Nigeria is already dealing with low voter turnout, and any new requirement could make the situation worse. It said policies that make voting more difficult could lead to fewer people participating in elections.
The party further noted that confusion around such an exercise could create doubts about the fairness of the process. It warned the electoral body to avoid any action that might raise suspicion about bias or give an unfair advantage to any political group.
It also questioned why such a major exercise would be introduced through a leaked document instead of a clear and official announcement. The party said Nigerians should not be left guessing on issues that affect their voting rights.
The ADC urged INEC to drop the reported plan if it exists and reassure citizens of its commitment to a smooth and fair election process. It maintained that the country’s democracy should not be affected by last-minute changes that could disrupt voter participation.