The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all resident electoral commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and preparations for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.
INEC conveyed the directive in a letter signed by Rose Oriaran-Anthony, secretary to the commission, instructing officials to put all arrangements on hold pending further directives.
The commission had, on Wednesday, announced plans to commence the revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.
However, the decision drew criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations, who warned that the exercise could suppress voter participation.
Critics argued that asking registered voters to revalidate their status within a short timeframe could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians.
Responding to the concerns, INEC has now halted the rollout of the exercise, although it did not provide a timeline for when it may resume.
The commission said further instructions will be communicated to RECs in due course.
