The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) nationwide to immediately suspend all publicity and arrangements relating to the proposed voter revalidation exercise.
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 commission, while the public announcements and logistical arrangements for the exercise have been halted, RECs are to continue internal preparations necessary for the programme.
These include mobilising personnel and ensuring that the commission’s Voter Enrolment Devices are ready for deployment.
“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 read.
INEC had earlier announced that the nationwide voter revalidation exercise would commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Meanwhile, the commission has also changed the format of its upcoming meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
In a separate notice titled “Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual)”, INEC stated that the meeting earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now take place virtually via Zoom.
“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 said.
The commission advised the RECs to remain in their respective states and await the login details for the virtual meeting once 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 added.
INEC also reiterated that all publicity and preparations connected with the voter revalidation exercise should remain on hold pending further instructions from the commission.
The electoral body expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes and assured the commissioners of its appreciation for their cooperation.
Leave a Reply