INEC Suspends Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise Amid Public Outrage and Backlash
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to immediately suspend publicity and logistical arrangements for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise following widespread public criticism. In a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by INEC Secretary Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission instructed RECs to halt all preparations, including sourcing of personnel and readiness of INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs). The directive explicitly states: “RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission.” The move comes days after INEC’s internal memo announcing the exercise sparked outrage across the country. Many Nigerians, opposition parties (including the African Democratic Congress — ADC), and civil society voices viewed the revalidation as a potential ploy to disenfranchise voters ahead of the 2027 general ...