RismadarVoice Reporters, April 5, 2026
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and arrangements for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
The directive was contained in a letter dated April 4, 2026, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
According to the notice, while public-facing activities related to the exercise have been halted, RECs are to continue with internal preparations, including sourcing personnel and readying INEC Voter Enrolment Devices.
“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise, await further directives from the commission,” the letter stated.
The development comes just days after INEC had announced plans to commence the revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a related update, the Commission also announced a change in the format of its scheduled meeting with RECs. The meeting, initially planned to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.
“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.
INEC advised all RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details, which will be communicated once arrangements for the virtual meeting are finalized.
“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details, which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” the Commission added.
INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured the commissioners of its consideration, while noting that further directives regarding the voter revalidation exercise will be communicated in due course.
