Prosper Okoye
Nigeria’s main opposition parties, civic groups and political movements warned Sunday that a planned voter revalidation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission could disenfranchise millions and undermine public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.
The African Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party and the Obidient Movement Worldwide said the proposed process — aimed at cleaning the voter register — risks excluding rural and low-income voters due to access, cost and technical barriers.
INEC had announced plans to carry out the nationwide exercise from April 13 to May 29, 2026, targeting the removal of ineligible entries, including deceased persons, underage registrants and duplicate records. The commission said the move was intended to strengthen the credibility and accuracy of Nigeria’s voter register.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBut in a sudden reversal, the electoral body directed Resident Electoral Commissioners to suspend preparations, including publicity and logistics, pending further instructions.
Opposition figures questioned both the timing and feasibility of the exercise, noting it comes less than a year before the next general elections.
ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi said rural communities could be disproportionately affected, citing limited access to technology and low awareness. “How do you expect villagers to validate online or travel long distances just months before an election?” he said.
The PDP’s publicity secretary, Ini Ememobong, described the move as a misplacement of priorities, urging INEC to focus instead on election logistics. He alleged the exercise could form part of efforts to weaken opposition participation.
Yunusa Tanko, national coordinator of the Obidient Movement, warned the process could deepen existing distrust in the electoral system. He said low turnout in previous elections already reflected declining confidence, adding that revalidation could further reduce participation.
Civil society groups echoed those concerns. Auwal Rafsanjani of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre said the plan risks discouraging voters and eroding confidence in the electoral process, citing limited time, manpower and technological capacity.
Other analysts said while INEC has the legal authority to conduct such an exercise, its timing remains contentious.
READ ALSO:
ADC Faults INEC Chairman’s Interpretation of Court Order, Defends Party Activities – SpokespersonADC Alleges ‘Assault on Democracy,’ Demands INEC Chairman’s Removal
INEC Derecognises ADC Leader, Opposition Alleges Political Interference
Former INEC official Oluwole Uzzi said the commission is empowered to review the voter register but warned that introducing the process months before an election could create tension and uncertainty among voters and political actors.
INEC has yet to announce a new timeline for the exercise.
Prosper Okoye is a Correspondent and Research Writer at Prime Business Africa, a Nigerian journalist with experience in development reporting, public affairs, and policy-focused storytelling across Africa
