2027: INEC set to embark on nationwide voter revalidation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to embark on a nationwide voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The directive is contained in an internal memo dated 2 April, signed by Secretary to the Commission, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, and addressed to all resident electoral commissioners.

According to the document, the decision to conduct the exercise stems from the need for a “credible voter register,” a topic extensively discussed during the commission’s strategic retreat held in Lagos earlier in the year.

The memo indicated that the revalidation exercise would follow a hybrid model, allowing citizens to participate both online and at designated physical centres.

It said that the physical centre would be established at the local government areas, registration areas and polling units across the country.

To facilitate the process, the memo stated that the commission would deploy INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs), with two IVEDs stationed at each local government level, while one device will be assigned to each registration area and polling unit.

The exercise will be manned by a combination of INEC staff members and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with two personnel assigned to each enrollment device.

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The memo included a detailed timeline for the exercise, which is already underway in its preparatory stages, including voter education and publicity, currently ongoing, having commenced on 1 March and scheduled to run till 5 June.

The first phase of physical revalidation at the local government area level is slated to begin on 13 April and end on 2 May.

The fieldwork is also scheduled to move to registration areas from 5 May to 11 May, and to polling units from 13 May to 19 May.

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According to the schedule of activities, the printing of permanent voter cards (PVCs) for newly-registered voters will hold between 4 June and 3 July, while PVC collection at the registration area level is scheduled for 18 to 24 November.

The timeline also shows that there will be generation of PDF register for revalidated voters for 14 days, starting from 15 June; printing of display register for 14 days between 7 July and 20 July, while the register will be displayed at registration area level from 18 to 25 August.

The final register of voters for the 2027 general elections will be published and presented on 15 December.

This will be followed by the presidential and National Assembly elections on 16 January, 2027 as well as the governorship and state houses of assembly elections on 6 February, 2027.

Mrs Oriaran-Anthony urged resident electoral commissioners to commence necessary preparations, including the sourcing of personnel and the configuration of enrollment devices, to ensure a seamless exercise.

(NAN)