The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ordered the immediate suspension of preparations for its planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The directive was conveyed in an internal memo signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, instructing Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to halt all publicity and logistical arrangements pending further notice.

INEC had earlier scheduled the exercise to commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general election. Preparations had already begun, including plans to deploy personnel and configure INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVED).

The initial timetable indicated that the exercise would start at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from April 13 to May 2, move to the Registration Area (RA) level from May 5 to May 11, and conclude at Polling Units (PUs) between May 13 and May 19.

In a related development, the commission announced a change in its meeting schedule with RECs. The meeting earlier slated to hold physically on Thursday, April 9, 2026, will now be conducted virtually via Zoom.

“Further to the notice of meeting dated 3rd April 2026, please be informed that the meeting of the commission with Resident Electoral Commissioners scheduled for Thursday, 9th April 2026 at 11.00am will now hold virtually via Zoom,” the notice stated.

RECs have been directed to remain in their respective states and await login details for the virtual session.

“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 reiterated its directive for all preparations and publicity related to the voter revalidation exercise to be stepped down until further instructions are issued.

INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused and assured that updates on the exercise would be communicated in due course.