The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections.
The decision was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the commission’s National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, following a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
According to the statement, the decision was reached after deliberations on the proposed exercise. “Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election,” Haruna said.
The voter revalidation exercise was initially designed to update and strengthen the credibility of the voter register ahead of the next general elections. It was expected to allow registered voters to verify their details, correct errors, and help eliminate duplicate or ineligible entries.
However, the proposal had drawn concerns from some stakeholders, who argued that its timing could affect voter participation and disrupt preparations for the 2027 polls.
INEC stated that the decision to defer the exercise was taken in the interest of ensuring a more inclusive and credible electoral process.