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

The directive was conveyed in a letter dated April 4, 2026, and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony. While halting outward-facing activities, INEC instructed RECs to continue internal preparations, including personnel sourcing and readiness of voter enrolment equipment.

“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.

The development comes just days after INEC announced plans to commence the voter revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the national voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a related update, the Commission also rescheduled its forthcoming engagement with RECs. The meeting, initially slated to be held physically on Thursday, April 9, at 11:00 a.m., will now take place virtually.

According to the notice titled “Notice of Meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (Virtual),” the session will be conducted via the Zoom platform. RECs have been advised to remain in their respective states pending the release of login details.

“Consequently, RECs are advised to remain in their states and await the login details, which will be shared once the meeting is set up,” the Commission stated.

INEC reiterated that all publicity and external arrangements relating to the voter revalidation exercise should remain on hold until further notice, while expressing regret for any inconvenience caused by the sudden changes.