Prior to the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is scheduled to start a nationwide voter revalidation process.
Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, the Secretary to the Commission, signed an internal memo dated March 2 that contained the directive and was issued to all resident electoral commissioners.
The memo claims that the necessity for a “credible voter register,” which was a major topic of discussion at the commission’s strategic conference earlier this year in Lagos, is what led to the decision to carry out the operation.
According to the memo, residents would be able to participate in the revalidation process both online and at specific physical locations using a hybrid paradigm.
It stated that the physical center would be set up in local government offices, registration offices, and voting places all around the nation.
According to the document, the commission would use INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs) to streamline the process. Two IVEDs will be stationed at each local government level, and one device will be assigned to each polling place and registration area.
A mix of INEC employees and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members will conduct the exercise, with two persons allocated to each enrollment device.
The memo contained a comprehensive plan for the exercise, which is presently in its preparation phases and includes voter education and publicity. It started on March 1 and is set to last through June 5.
At the local government area level, the first round of physical revalidation is scheduled to start on April 13 and conclude on May 2.
Additionally, the fieldwork will relocate to polling places from May 13 to May 19 and registration areas from May 5 to May 11.
Permanent voter cards (PVCs) for newly registered voters will be printed between June 4 and July 3, while PVC collection at the registration area level is set for November 18 to November 24, according to the calendar of events.
The timeline further indicates that a 14-day PDF register will be generated for revalidated voters beginning on June 15, a 14-day display register will be printed between July 7 and July 20, and the register will be exhibited at the registration area level from August 18 to August 24.
On December 15, the final voter registration list for the general elections of 2027 will be released.
The elections for the governorship and state houses of assembly on February 6, 2027, and the presidential and national assembly elections on January 16, 2027, will come next.
In order to guarantee a smooth process, Oriaran-Anthony asked resident electoral commissioners to start the required preparations, such as hiring staff and setting up enrollment devices.
