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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has postponed its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general elections, following mounting pressure and criticism from political stakeholders. 
The decision was announced after a meeting between the commission and its Resident Electoral Commissioners. INEC stated that, after deliberations, it resolved to defer the exercise, which was originally scheduled to begin in April 2026 as part of efforts to update and verify the national voter register. 
The planned exercise had sparked controversy, with opposition parties—including factions of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—arguing that the timing could disenfranchise millions of voters and suppress participation so close to the elections. 
Despite the postponement, INEC maintained that voter revalidation remains important for ensuring a credible and accurate voter register, including removing duplicates and correcting data. The commission also reassured Nigerians of its commitment to conducting free, fair, and inclusive elections in 2027. 
