The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated that it cannot proceed with the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise at this time, confirming that the exercise has been postponed until after the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission explained that the decision followed extensive deliberations with Resident Electoral Commissioners.
“Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election,” Haruna said.
INEC described voter revalidation as a critical component of its mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. 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 overall integrity of the voter register. It also provides registered voters the opportunity to confirm their details and make necessary corrections.
However, the Commission noted that conducting such a large-scale nationwide exercise so close to the 2027 general elections would create significant operational, logistical and timeline challenges. With Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) still ongoing, political party activities intensifying, and preparations for the general elections already under way, introducing a mandatory revalidation process at this stage risks overstretching the system, confusing voters and potentially affecting participation.
The Commission emphasised that the integrity of the electoral process remains paramount and that any major clean-up of the voter register must be carried out under conditions that guarantee inclusiveness, adequate public enlightenment and sufficient time for all eligible voters to participate without disruption to the election calendar.
INEC reaffirmed its commitment to conducting free, fair, credible and inclusive elections in 2027 and beyond. It assured Nigerians that the voter revalidation exercise remains a priority and will be undertaken comprehensively after the 2027 general elections as part of continuous efforts to sanitise and strengthen the National Register of Voters.