Why we can’t conduct voter revalidation now – INEC

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By Omeiza Ajayi, Abuja

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ABUJA: The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has explained why it cannot conduct a voter revalidation exercise ahead of the 2027 General Election, citing time constraints.

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The INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while receiving the Country Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung KAS, Mr Moritz Sprenker, on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters.

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Amupitan said a significant number of voters, particularly the elderly who registered as far back as 2011, would need to have their records validated, but explained that the exercise could not be conducted before the 2027 polls for want of time.

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He said the exercise, though necessary to avoid delays in future electoral processes, would have to wait beyond the forthcoming general election.

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Welcoming Sprenker, Amupitan congratulated him on his appointment, describing KAS as a longstanding partner of the Commission.

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He commended the Foundation’s contributions to constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and good governance globally, noting that INEC and KAS had collaborated on regulatory frameworks for political parties, including technical retreats held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, and Lagos, which he said contributed to the Commission’s preparations for the Osun State governorship election held on Saturday, 15 August 2026.

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He listed strategic priorities for continued collaboration with KAS to include civic education and democratic culture, electoral technology, institutional capacity building, countering misinformation, deepening inclusivity for persons with disabilities and marginalised groups, and interagency dialogue for peaceful electoral processes.

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Responding, Sprenker said KAS is active in more than 100 countries and has worked in Nigeria for over 25 years across government, civil society, academia, and the media.

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He recalled a capacity-building workshop on procurement held with INEC in Lagos in March 2026 and expressed the Foundation’s continued interest in strengthening its partnership with the Commission.

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