The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to suspend all publicity and arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise earlier scheduled to commence later this month.
The directive was contained in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
According to the notice, although public announcements and logistical preparations for the exercise have been halted, RECs are expected to continue internal groundwork for the programme. This includes sourcing personnel and preparing the commission’s Voter Enrolment Devices.
“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the letter stated.
INEC had earlier announced plans to begin a nationwide voter revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the national voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, the electoral body also announced a change in the format of its upcoming meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
In a separate notice titled “Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual)”, INEC disclosed that the meeting earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m., will now take place virtually.
“Further to the notice of meeting dated April 3, 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the statement read.
The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details for the virtual meeting, which will be communicated once arrangements are completed.
“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 reiterated that all publicity and preparations related to the voter revalidation exercise should remain on hold until further instructions are issued.
INEC also expressed regret for any inconvenience the changes might cause and thanked the commissioners for their understanding and cooperation.
