The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to commence a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to ensure a more credible and updated voter register.
The planned exercise was contained in an internal memo dated March 2, signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country.
According to the memo, the decision to undertake the exercise followed deliberations on the need for a credible voter register during the commission’s strategic retreat held earlier this year in Lagos.
INEC said the voter revalidation will adopt a hybrid approach, allowing eligible citizens to participate through both online platforms and designated physical registration centres.
The commission disclosed that physical registration and revalidation centres would be set up at local government areas, registration areas, and polling units nationwide to ensure broad access for voters.
To support the process, INEC said it would deploy its INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs) across the country. Under the arrangement, two IVEDs will be assigned to each local government area, while one device each will be deployed to every registration area and polling unit.
The exercise is expected to be conducted by a combination of INEC personnel and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with two officials assigned to each enrollment device.
Timeline of Activities
INEC’s schedule shows that the preparatory phase of the exercise is already underway, with voter education and publicity having commenced on March 1 and expected to continue until June 5.
The first phase of physical revalidation at the local government area level is scheduled to begin on April 13 and end on May 2.
This will be followed by the registration area phase from May 5 to May 11, while the polling unit phase is expected to run from May 13 to May 19.
The commission also outlined subsequent stages of the exercise, including the printing of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for newly registered voters, which is expected to take place between June 4 and July 3.
PVC collection at the registration area level is scheduled for November 18 to November 24.
INEC further disclosed that the generation of PDF voter registers for revalidated voters will begin on June 15 and last for 14 days.
The printing of the display register is scheduled to run from July 7 to July 20, while the display of the register at the registration area level is expected to hold from August 18 to August 24.
According to the commission, the final register of voters for the 2027 general elections will be published and presented on December 15.
Election Dates
The memo also outlined the proposed dates for the 2027 elections, with the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6, 2027.
Dr Oriaran-Anthony urged all Resident Electoral Commissioners to begin the necessary groundwork for the exercise, including the mobilisation of personnel and configuration of enrollment devices, to ensure a smooth and successful implementation nationwide.
The planned revalidation exercise is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the next general elections.
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