The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend publicity and arrangements for the planned nationwide voter revalidation exercise.

The directive was contained in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony.

According to the letter, RECs are to “step down all publicity and arrangements for the voter revalidation exercise and await further directives from the commission.”

Despite the suspension, INEC instructed the commissioners to continue internal preparations, including sourcing personnel and preparing voter enrolment devices.

The commission had earlier announced that the revalidation exercise would commence on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a related development, INEC said its meeting with RECs scheduled for Thursday, April 9, 2026, will now be held virtually via Zoom instead of physically.

It advised RECs to remain in their respective states and await further details, including login credentials for the virtual meeting.

INEC expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the changes and assured commissioners that further directives would be communicated.