INEC Postpones Nationwide Voter Revalidation Exercise

.Amupitan: I have no X account, denies partisan post

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the postponement of nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election.

This was as the INEC’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has denied endorsing a partisan post on X social media platform, saying he has no X account.

It would be recalled that the commission had announced plans to commence a nationwide voter revalidation beginning from April 13 to May 29, 2026.

The exercise, the electoral body explained, was aimed at removing ineligible entries and strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The commission said the exercise would target the removal of “null and ineligible voters, such as deceased, non-Nigerians, underage, and multiple registrations,” in line with legal provisions.

The electoral body, however, explained that the exercise was not a fresh registration but was specifically for voters who registered between 2011 and 2024. 

“The exercise is part of the commission’s efforts to revise, update, clean and strengthen the integrity, accuracy, inclusivity, and credibility of the national register of voters ahead of future elections,” it said.

However, the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, in a statement said the decision was taken during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) held yesterday, where the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise was considered among other issues.

He noted that following deliberations, the commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 general election.

Haruna added, “The voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. 

“It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register. 

“The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.”

The commission said it remained committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.

Meanwhile, INEC Chairman, Amupitan, in a statement issued yesterday by his Chief Press Secretary, Adedayo Oketola, maintained that he does not operate any social media account.

He noted, “The attention of the Office of the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been drawn to a malicious and coordinated campaign of calumny circulating on social media. 

“The false claim alleges that the INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has, in the past, endorsed a partisan post on the platform X (formerly Twitter).

“The commission wishes to state categorically that this allegation is entirely baseless, a total fabrication, and a figment of the imagination of its purveyors. 

“For the avoidance of doubt, the INEC Chairman does not own or operate any personal account on X. He has at no time engaged in partisan commentary, nor has he ever associated himself with any political leaning or activity in his private or public capacity.”

Amupitan added that this contrived X post was a desperate attempt to impugn his  integrity and neutrality at a critical period when the commission is focused on significant electoral reforms and preparations for upcoming polls. 

He noted that it is a needless distraction designed to stir public distrust in the electoral umpire.

The Chairman maintained: “Beyond this partisan mischief, the commission is aware that cybercriminals have been on the prowl, utilising fake social media accounts in the Chairman’s name to defraud unsuspecting Nigerians. 

“We wish to place it on record that several of such fraudulent accounts had been identified and reported to security agencies in the past. 

“This latest fabrication is merely a continuation of a criminal pattern aimed at exploiting the commission’s profile for illicit gains.”

The commission said it would not fold its arms while the character of its leadership is being assassinated by digital imposters and mischief-makers. 

The electoral body notified the public that it was  working in close collaboration with relevant security agencies and cyber-intelligence units to track and identify the individuals or groups behind this identity theft and misinformation.

Amupitan said, “Let it be clearly understood that the Commission will ensure that these imposters face the full wrath of the law. 

“Identity theft and the dissemination of deepfake or forged social media interactions are criminal offenses under the Cybercrimes Act. 

“Those responsible for this mischief will be tracked and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who believe the digital space is a safe haven for criminality.”

The commission urged the general public  to disregard this falsehood in its entirety, saying it would continue to disseminate official information regarding the Commission and the Chairman’s activities only through verified institutional channels and formal press statements.