Background and Concerns
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Obidient movement, and civil society groups have raised concerns about the voter revalidation exercise initiated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These groups warned that the implementation of the exercise could disenfranchise the electorate and damage public trust in the electoral process. The ADC spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, highlighted that rural dwellers might be particularly affected due to challenges related to access and awareness in remote communities.
The PDP Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, and the Obidient movement National Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, questioned the feasibility of the exercise, arguing that it may not achieve its intended purpose given current logistical constraints. Civil society organizations also expressed concerns that the exercise could erode public confidence in INEC and weaken trust in the electoral process, emphasizing widespread apprehension about both timing and execution.
INEC’s Announcement and Clarifications
INEC had announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation exercise beginning from April 13 to May 29, 2026. This initiative aims to remove ineligible entries and strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. In a public notice issued via its official X handle on Friday, the commission stated that the exercise would target the removal of “null and ineligible voters, such as deceased, non-Nigerians, underage, and multiple registrations,” in line with legal provisions.
INEC clarified that the exercise is not a fresh registration but specifically for voters who registered between 2011 and 2024. The commission emphasized that this effort is part of its efforts to revise, update, clean, and strengthen the integrity, accuracy, inclusivity, and credibility of the national register of voters ahead of future elections.
Suspension of the Exercise
However, in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by its Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the commission directed all Regional Electoral Commissions (RECs) to suspend preparations for the exercise, including sourcing personnel and getting INEC Voter Enrolment Devices ready. RECs were also instructed to step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission.
The letter, titled ‘Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual)’, also stated that the meeting with RECs earlier scheduled to be held physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m. will now be conducted virtually via Zoom. 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.
Reactions from Political Parties and Civil Society
Reacting to the suspension, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Abdullahi, questioned the feasibility of the exercise, especially for rural dwellers. He argued that how INEC expects Nigerians to carry out the revalidation exercise in all the polling units, wards, local governments, and states is unclear. He highlighted the difficulties faced by villagers and those in rural areas in accessing the necessary resources.
Similarly, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ememobong, criticized the timing of the exercise, urging the commission to focus on more pressing matters. He suggested that the exercise was part of a political strategy to ensure an uncontested presidential election. Ememobong also raised concerns about the commission’s focus on monitoring political parties instead of addressing electoral logistics.
The faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Gombe described the timing as inappropriate, warning that the technical requirements could exclude many Nigerians from the process. Bala’s Chief of Staff, Bala Sani, disclosed these concerns in a phone interview with The PUNCH, highlighting the lack of infrastructure and technological capacity in rural areas.
Criticisms and Concerns from Civil Society
Civil society organizations raised concerns about trust, logistics, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s electoral process. Auwal Rafsanjani, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, criticized the move, warning that it could further erode public confidence in the electoral body. He noted that the timing and preparedness for the exercise were inadequate, arguing that the commission lacked both the manpower and technological capacity to execute it effectively.
Friday Odeh, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, described the exercise as necessary but insufficient to address deeper issues of voter apathy and distrust. Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, rejected the justification for the exercise, describing it as unnecessary and burdensome. He argued that the concept of a Permanent Voter Card should not require periodic revalidation.
Former INEC Official’s Perspective
A former Director of Voter Education at INEC, Oluwole Uzzi, acknowledged that the commission has the constitutional and legal authority to conduct voter registration and revalidation. However, he raised concerns about the timing of the exercise so close to elections. Uzzi pointed out that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration had been in place for months, raising questions about why revalidation efforts were being introduced at this stage.
He emphasized the need for broader consultation with political stakeholders to ensure transparency and public trust in the process. Uzzi warned that implementing such a process just months before an election could create avoidable tension and doubts among political actors and the electorate.
