The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 General Election.
The decision followed a meeting between the Commission and Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held on Friday, where the planned exercise and other electoral matters were reviewed.
A statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, said the exercise would now be conducted after the 2027 polls.
The voter revalidation exercise is considered a key part of efforts to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters, as it focuses on verifying existing records and strengthening the integrity of the electoral database.
Through the process, voter details would be reviewed to ensure accurate personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and allow registered voters to confirm or correct their information where necessary.
The move, according to the Commission, aligns with ongoing preparations for the 2027 general election and broader efforts to safeguard the credibility and inclusiveness of the electoral process.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections across the country.
The decision follows widespread backlash that trailed INEC’s earlier announcement of a nationwide voter revalidation exercise scheduled to run from April 13 to May 29, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.
The proposal drew criticism from political parties and stakeholders, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which warned that the exercise, coming less than 10 months to the election, could disenfranchise millions of registered voters and suppress turnout.
The party also raised concerns about the timing and transparency of the plan, urging the Commission to prioritise voter participation and electoral credibility.