The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has urged the immediate suspension of the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) planned nationwide voter revalidation, citing risks to the integrity of the 2027 general elections. In a statement released on Sunday, the civil society organisation expressed concern that the exercise could disenfranchise eligible voters and create logistical challenges. MCE argued that revalidation might disproportionately affect voters in rural and underserved areas with limited access to registration centres. The group called on INEC to provide a comprehensive justification for the exercise and to engage stakeholders before proceeding. MCE also referenced past electoral exercises where similar processes led to confusion and reduced voter turnout. The organisation recommended a nationwide consultation to assess public readiness and technical preparedness. INEC had announced the proposed revalidation as part of efforts to update its voter database and enhance election security.
INEC's plan to revalidate voters risks alienating millions who already face hurdles in accessing the electoral process. The MCE's objection highlights a recurring flaw in top-down electoral reforms that overlook ground realities. If implemented without broad consultation, this exercise could deepen distrust in the 2027 polls. For Nigerian voters, especially in remote areas, yet another bureaucratic layer may mean being effectively locked out of democracy.
