The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is preparing to carry out a nationwide voter revalidation exercise in anticipation of the 2027 general elections.

This directive was outlined in an internal memo dated March 2 and signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, addressed to all Resident Electoral Commissioners across the country.

According to the memo, the initiative is aimed at ensuring a credible and updated voter register, following deliberations at the commission’s strategic retreat held earlier this year in Lagos. The exercise will adopt a hybrid approach, enabling participation both online and through designated physical centres nationwide.

Physical registration points will be set up at local government areas, registration centres, and polling units. To support the process, INEC will deploy its Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs), assigning two devices to each local government and one to each registration area and polling unit.

The exercise will be conducted by INEC officials alongside members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), with two personnel assigned to operate each device.

Preparatory activities, including voter education and public awareness campaigns, began on March 1 and are expected to continue until June 5. The first phase of physical revalidation at the local government level is scheduled for April 13 to May 2. This will be followed by registration area exercises from May 5 to May 11, and polling unit activities from May 13 to May 19.

INEC also outlined that printing of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for newly registered voters will take place between June 4 and July 3, while distribution at registration areas is slated for November 18 to November 24.

Further steps include generating a PDF register of revalidated voters starting June 15 for 14 days, printing the display register from July 7 to July 20, and displaying the register at registration areas from August 18 to August 24.

The final voter register for the 2027 elections is expected to be released on December 15. Subsequently, presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on February 6, 2027.

Oriaran-Anthony urged all Resident Electoral Commissioners to begin necessary preparations, including staff mobilisation and configuration of enrollment devices, to ensure a smooth and successful exercise.