By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
The Independent National Electoral Commission has directed all Resident Electoral Commissioners to suspend publicity and arrangements for the planned voter revalidation exercise.
The commission disclosed this in a letter dated April 4, 2026, signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.
INEC, however, asked all RECs to continue necessary preparations for the exercise, including sourcing personnel and preparing INEC Voter Enrolment Devices.
“RECs are also directed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission,” the notice stated.
On Wednesday, INEC had announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation drive on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, the letter, titled Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual), stated that the meeting with RECs earlier scheduled to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.
“Further to the notice of meeting dated April 3, 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice read.
The commission advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await login details, which will be shared once arrangements for the virtual meeting are concluded.
“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details, which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” INEC said.
The commission added that all publicity and preparations for the voter revalidation exercise should be put on hold pending further directives.
INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured the commissioners of its consideration.