The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has suspended all preparations and publicity for its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise following intense opposition from political parties, civil society groups, and political analysts.
In a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immediately halt arrangements for the exercise and await further directives. The commission also announced that its scheduled meeting with RECs on April 9 will now be held virtually via Zoom.
The voter revalidation exercise was originally announced by INEC as a measure to clean up the voters’ register by removing ineligible names, deceased persons, and multiple registrations, with the goal of enhancing the credibility of future elections, particularly the 2027 general polls.
Strong Opposition from Political Parties
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly rejected the planned exercise, describing it as “a recipe for chaos” that could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians.In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that asking already registered voters to revalidate their details less than 10 months before the general election would suppress voter turnout and deepen apathy, especially among those unable to travel or access registration centres.
“Coming less than ten months to a general election, such an exercise risks disenfranchising millions of Nigerians,” the party stated. It urged INEC to abandon the plan entirely.A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki also described the timing as “suspicious.” Its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, questioned why the exercise was being introduced so close to the polls instead of years earlier.
Northern Groups Raise Alarm
A group of Concerned Former Legislators warned that the exercise could significantly reduce voting strength in Northern Nigeria. In a strongly worded statement addressed to major Northern leaders and institutions, including the Arewa Consultative Forum and former Heads of State, the group said there is a widespread perception that the move is strategically timed to weaken the region’s political influence ahead of 2027.They called on Northern stakeholders to oppose any policy that creates the impression of selective disenfranchisement.
Concerns from Political Scientists and Analysts
Political scientists who spoke on the matter supported the need for a clean voters’ register but cautioned against poor implementation. Dr Mohammed Alada of the University of Ilorin warned that compressing the exercise into a very short period could create logistical nightmares and exclude many eligible voters.
Other experts, including Associate Professor Sikiru Lanre Nurudeen and civil society leaders, described the three-week timeline as grossly inadequate for a country with over 90 million registered voters, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, had earlier defended the exercise, saying its aim was to produce “a more credible register of voters” and strengthen rather than restrict participation.
The sudden suspension reflects mounting pressure on the electoral commission as criticism intensified from opposition parties and stakeholders concerned about potential disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 elections.
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