The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Obidient Movement, and several civil society organisations have raised concerns that the proposed voter revalidation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) could disenfranchise voters and weaken public trust in the electoral process.
INEC had earlier announced plans to conduct a nationwide voter revalidation exercise from April 13 to May 29, 2026, aimed at removing ineligible entries such as deceased persons, underage registrants, non-Nigerians, and cases of multiple registrations from the voters’ register. The commission said the exercise would apply to voters registered between 2011 and 2024 and was intended to strengthen the credibility of the register ahead of future elections.
However, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi warned that the exercise could disproportionately affect rural communities with limited access to registration facilities and information, questioning its feasibility so close to the 2027 general elections.
Similarly, PDP publicity secretary Ini Ememobong described the timing as inappropriate, urging the commission to prioritise electoral logistics and preparations rather than introducing a new process months before the polls.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, also cautioned that the exercise could deepen public mistrust in the electoral system and potentially reduce voter participation if not properly implemented.
Civil society groups echoed the concerns. Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, Auwal Rafsanjani, said the commission must prioritise restoring confidence in the electoral process, warning that the short timeframe and logistical challenges could undermine the exercise.
Accountability Lab Nigeria Country Director Friday Odeh described the revalidation as potentially necessary but insufficient to address deeper issues of voter apathy and distrust, while Debo Adeniran of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership questioned the need for revalidating Permanent Voter Cards, arguing the process could impose additional burdens on citizens.
Meanwhile, former INEC Director of Voter Education, Oluwole Uzzi, acknowledged that the commission has the legal authority to conduct voter revalidation but said the timing of the exercise has raised legitimate political concerns among stakeholders.