The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has instructed all resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to halt publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general election.
The directive comes after the commission had initially scheduled the exercise to begin on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register.
In a letter signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, RECs were previously asked to mobilise personnel, prepare voter enrolment devices, and follow a detailed timeline spanning from local government areas to polling units.
However, INEC has now suspended all activities, asking RECs to await further instructions and to remain in their states.
The commission also announced that its planned meeting with RECs on April 9 will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.
“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the notice added, expressing regret over any inconvenience caused.
The suspension follows widespread reactions from political parties, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which had raised concerns about the timing and potential impact of the exercise.
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In a statement posted on April 1, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi warned that the proposed voter revalidation could “trigger widespread disruption within the electoral system” and discourage voter participation.
“If true, this development raises serious concerns and must be rejected outright as a recipe for chaos,” Abdullahi said, adding that introducing a revalidation requirement close to the 2027 elections could further suppress turnout and undermine electoral credibility.
He also criticised the manner in which the plan emerged, through a leaked memo, emphasising the need for transparency.
“It is troubling that such a significant national exercise is only coming to the attention of Nigerians through a leaked memo — just days before its implementation,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC argued that any voter revalidation, if necessary, should have been conducted immediately after the 2023 general elections.
The party urged INEC to abandon the plan and reassure Nigerians of its commitment to credible and inclusive elections.
The development adds to growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s electoral processes, as political stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.