The Independent National Electoral Commission has postponed its proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election.
In a statement issued on Friday, signed by Mohammed Haruna, national commissioner and chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said the decision was taken after a meeting with resident electoral commissioners (RECs).
The electoral umpire had announced a nationwide voter revalidation exercise, which was billed to commence on April 13.
The earlier announcement was met with resistance as opposition leaders and civil society organisations said that the initiative is ill-timed and may hamper voter participation in the 2027 general elections.
“Following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 general election,” the statement reads.
INEC described the voter revalidation exercise as a critical component of its mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date national register of voters.
The commission said the exercise is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the integrity of the voter register.
It added that the process would also provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.
INEC reiterated its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.
