INEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation until after 2027 polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has postponed the nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election. This decision was made on Friday during a meeting between the Commission and Resident Electoral Commissioners, where key electoral matters were reviewed. INEC National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, stated that the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise following deliberations. The voter revalidation exercise is crucial for maintaining an accurate and credible National Register of Voters, verifying existing records, correcting personal data, removing duplicate entries, and enhancing database integrity. The exercise also allows registered voters to confirm and update their details. Despite the postponement, INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. The Punch reported that INEC, in a letter dated April 4, directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners to suspend publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise. The letter, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, asked RECs to commence preparations for the exercise, including sourcing personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices. All publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise are on hold pending further directives. INEC expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. INEC had previously announced plans to start a nationwide voter r