The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has halted all preparations for a planned voter revalidation exercise. The decision was confirmed in a statement issued on May 4, 2024, by the commission's National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye. He stated that "no date has been set for any revalidation of the current voter register." The suspension applies to all planned activities, including the deployment of personnel and procurement of materials. Okoye emphasized that the commission remains committed to maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. He urged the public to disregard "unauthorized announcements or speculations" about voter revalidation. The electoral body did not provide a reason for the suspension but affirmed that updates would be communicated through official channels. The current voter register remains valid for future elections until otherwise announced. Political parties and civil society groups have been advised to await formal directives from INEC.
INEC's sudden suspension of voter revalidation plans, announced by Festus Okoye, exposes a lack of internal coordination within the commission. Given that preparations were already underway, the reversal may delay other electoral timelines leading to 2027. This confusion undermines public confidence in the readiness of INEC to manage a credible election process. Nigerians now face uncertainty over when, or if, the voter register will be updated.
