The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) nationwide to suspend all publicity and logistical preparations for the planned voter revalidation exercise.
The directive was contained in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
According to the notice, RECs are to halt all external activities related to the exercise and await further instructions from the commission. “RECs are directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives,” the letter stated.
However, the commission instructed officials to continue internal preparations, including mobilising personnel and readying voter enrolment devices.
The development comes just days after INEC announced plans to begin a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC also revised its schedule for a meeting with RECs, shifting it from a physical gathering to a virtual session. The meeting, initially slated for April 9, will now hold via Zoom.
RECs have been advised to remain in their respective states pending further instructions, with login details for the virtual meeting to be communicated in due course.
The sudden suspension raises questions about the timeline for the voter register update, a critical component of preparations for the 2027 polls.
Observers say further clarification from INEC will be key to understanding the next phase of the process.
