The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suddenly halted its planned voter revalidation exercise, ordering Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) across the country to suspend all publicity and rollout plans immediately.
The directive, contained in a letter dated April 4, 2026, was signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
“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 stated.
This comes just days after INEC unveiled plans to kick off a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, raising eyebrows over the sudden reversal.
Despite the public suspension, RECs have been quietly instructed to continue internal groundwork, including sourcing personnel and preparing voter enrolment devices.
INEC also cancelled a planned physical meeting with RECs, switching to a virtual session.
“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 notice read.
RECs have been told to stay put in their states and await further details.
“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 must remain on hold until fresh directives are issued, while apologising for any inconvenience caused.
With 2027 in sight, INEC’s sudden pause has triggered fresh uncertainty over the timeline of a critical electoral process.
