INEC postpones nationwide voter revalidation exercise after backlash

The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise following widespread criticism from opposition parties and stakeholders.

The commission confirmed the decision on Friday in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mohammed Haruna, after a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners.

According to the statement, the exercise will now take place after the 2027 general elections.

Opposition parties had earlier raised concerns over the proposed exercise, alleging that it could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters across the country.

The commission, however, stated that the decision to delay the exercise followed extensive deliberations with its officials.

The proposed revalidation exercise was initially outlined in an internal memo dated April 2, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. The memo had directed Resident Electoral Commissioners to begin preparations for the nationwide exercise ahead of the 2027 polls.

With the postponement, attention is expected to shift back to preparations for the general elections, as stakeholders continue to monitor developments within Nigeria’s electoral process.

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