A policy group, The Abuja School, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its decision to mandate the revalidation of registered voters ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the move could further damage public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.
In a press statement titled “INEC Needs to Re-direct Itself,” the group said Nigerians are already skeptical about the credibility of elections following controversies surrounding the 2023 general election, and that the new policy risks worsening the situation.
The statement noted that although INEC has the authority to maintain and update the voter register, compelling already registered voters to revalidate their details is “arguably unconstitutional” and not supported by provisions of the Electoral Act 2022.
According to the group, the proposed exercise is poorly timed and could disrupt preparations for the next election cycle. It warned that carrying out a nationwide revalidation process less than a year before the polls could strain INEC’s schedule and affect other critical election activities.
The Abuja School also raised concerns that the exercise could create opportunities for voter suppression or manipulation of the voter register, especially if some regions record low turnout for the revalidation process.
The group further criticized what it described as inadequate public communication about the initiative, saying such an exercise could deepen voter apathy and erode confidence in the electoral process.
Instead of forcing voters to revalidate their registration, the group advised INEC to rely on existing institutional mechanisms to update the voter register, including correcting errors, removing duplicate entries, and verifying records of deceased voters.
It emphasized that the real challenge facing Nigeria’s elections is ensuring that votes are freely cast, accurately counted, and transparently declared.
The group therefore urged INEC to reconsider the policy and focus on strengthening the credibility and integrity of elections ahead of the 2027 polls.
