INEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation until after 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections.

The decision was announced on Friday in a statement by Mohammed Haruna, INEC’s national commissioner and chairman of the information and voter education committee. He said the resolution was reached during a meeting between the commission and resident electoral commissioners (RECs).

According to the statement, the commission agreed to defer the exercise until after the 2027 polls.

Haruna explained that the revalidation exercise is intended to enhance the credibility of Nigeria’s voter register by verifying and updating existing records. The process will help ensure the accuracy of personal data, remove duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the register.

He added that the exercise would also allow registered voters to confirm and correct their personal details where necessary.

Haruna reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.

The nationwide revalidation exercise was initially scheduled to begin on April 13 as part of preparations for the 2027 elections. However, on April 5, the commission directed all RECs to suspend publicity and logistical arrangements for the exercise pending further instructions.