The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has decided to put the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise on hold, scheduling it to resume after the 2027 General Election.

This was made known on Friday during a meeting between the Commission and Resident Electoral Commissioners, where important electoral issues were reviewed.

According to a press statement signed by INEC National Commissioner, Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the Commission said, “Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election.”

INEC noted that the voter revalidation exercise remains a vital part of its mandate to maintain an accurate and credible National Register of Voters. It is intended to verify existing voter records, correct personal data, remove duplicate or ineligible entries, and improve the integrity of the voter database.

Additionally, the commission said the exercise would also permit registered voters to verify and update their details where necessary.

Notwithstanding the postponement, INEC reiterated its dedication to credible elections, stressing that it “remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections".

It was gathered that INEC, in a letter dated April 4, instructed all resident electoral commissioners to suspend publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise.

The letter, which was signed by its secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructed all RECs to start necessary preparations for the exercise, including the sourcing of personnel and preparation of INEC voter enrolment devices.

The commission added that all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise should be put on hold pending further directives.

“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further instructions from the commission,” the notice stated.

INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured the commissioners of its consideration.

Earlier, INEC had previously shared its plans to start a nationwide voter revalidation drive initially scheduled for April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter database before the 2027 general election.