Sh*ck As INEC Suspends Voter Revalidation Across Nigeria

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immediately halt preparations and public awareness activities related to the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

According to Ireporter Online, the directive was conveyed in an official communication dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. The notice instructed electoral commissioners across the states to suspend ongoing processes and await further guidance from the commission.

The commission also announced an adjustment to its scheduled engagement, stating that the meeting earlier fixed for April 9 at 11 a.m. would now be conducted virtually via Zoom, rather than in person.

The decision follows mounting concerns raised by stakeholders, including political analysts and opposition groups, over the timing and potential implications of the exercise. INEC had initially introduced the voter revalidation initiative as part of efforts to clean up the voter register by eliminating ineligible entries and enhancing the credibility of forthcoming elections.

However, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had strongly criticised the move, warning that it could create widespread disruption and disenfranchise millions of eligible voters ahead of the polls. In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party argued that mandating voter revalidation less than a year before elections could significantly suppress participation, increase voter apathy, and disproportionately affect citizens unable to travel to update their records.

The ADC further questioned the urgency of introducing such a critical exercise close to its proposed rollout date, cautioning the electoral body against actions that could be interpreted as facilitating electoral manipulation.