Public affairs commentator Mahdi Shehu has reacted to the suspension of the planned voter revalidation exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), taking a swipe at President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

 

 

INEC had earlier announced that it would commence a nationwide voter revalidation exercise on April 13, 2026, as part of efforts to update the voter register ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

However, the commission later directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to suspend all publicity and preparations for the exercise.

 

 

Reacting in a post shared on X on Sunday, Shehu described the development as a welcome reversal, though he criticised the president’s handling of public concerns.

 

“Well done, PBAT, for agreeing to be a loser on the ill-conceived voter’s card revalidation,” he wrote.

 

 

He noted that the decision suggests that the president can listen to public opinion when necessary.

 

“It appears PBAT can decide to listen to public objections on certain issues like his reversal of the ill-conceived voters card revalidation,” Shehu said.

 

Shehu, however, accused the president of ignoring other concerns raised by Nigerians, including issues around appointments, project execution and spending.

 

“He has ignored several other public outcries, such as his lopsided public appointments, lopsided project execution, lopsided spending of foreign and local loans, lopsided and selective response to emergencies and tragedies,” he added.

 

Shehu urged the president to always heed the voice of the majority, stressing that such an approach is necessary for democracy to thrive.

 

“We pray that whenever the voices of reason, wisdom and common sense speak louder than his, he will have the courage to accept what the majority voices speak and endorse. This is the only way democracy can thrive and allow Nigeria to be great,” he said.

 

“Congratulations for seeing the writing on the wall with or without medical glasses.”

 

Referencing Exodus 18:19, Shehu added, “Listen now to me, and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him.”

 

He concluded with a prayer, saying, “May PBAT be well guided by the spirit of truth, especially in moments when satanic drums are louder than the voices of reason. Amen. Amen. Amen.”