INEC Suspends Voter Revalidation Plans Amid Opposition Backlash

INEC Suspends Voter Revalidation Plans Amid Opposition Backlash

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to halt all preparations and public sensitisation for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise, following growing criticism from opposition parties and stakeholders.

The directive, issued in a notice signed by the commission’s secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, effectively pauses an exercise earlier scheduled to commence on April 13, 2026, as part of preparations for the 2027 general election.

INEC had mapped out a phased rollout beginning at the local government level before extending to registration areas and polling units nationwide. Preparations were already underway, including mobilisation of personnel and deployment of voter enrolment devices.

However, the commission has now asked RECs to “step down all publicity and arrangements” pending further directives, while also shifting its planned April 9 meeting with commissioners from a physical gathering in Abuja to a virtual session.

The sudden decision comes against the backdrop of mounting resistance from opposition parties, who have questioned both the timing and intent of the exercise.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) had earlier warned that recent actions by INEC, including moves around voter revalidation and internal party matters, pose “a threat to democracy” and could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.

Similarly, opposition figures and political blocs accused the commission of bias, alleging that some of its decisions could weaken opposition participation ahead of the 2027 elections.

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) also raised concerns specifically about the voter revalidation plan, cautioning that the timing could overstretch political parties and electoral stakeholders already grappling with multiple obligations under the Electoral Act.

IPAC warned that introducing the exercise without broad consultation risked disenfranchising voters and creating an “overly congested electoral environment,” urging the commission to reconsider its approach.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) echoed similar concerns, alleging that recent developments within the electoral space could heighten political tension and undermine democratic stability.

Despite the criticisms, INEC has maintained that the revalidation exercise is a routine administrative process aimed at sanitising the voter register by addressing issues such as multiple registrations and deceased voters.

The commission also dismissed allegations of bias, insisting that its actions are guided strictly by constitutional provisions and court rulings.

For now, attention has shifted to the outcome of the upcoming virtual meeting with RECs, where further clarity is expected on the fate of the suspended exercise.