MCE Opposes INEC’s Planned Voter Revalidation

The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has called for the immediate suspension of a proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), warning that the move could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, the civil society group described the initiative as “wrongheaded” and potentially dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic process.

The statement, signed by Olawale Okunniyi on behalf of the group, urged INEC to halt the plan immediately and instead focus on improving the ongoing voter registration process.

The group argued that the exercise, coming at a time when Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is already ongoing, reflects poor planning and raises questions about the commission’s intentions.

MCE said introducing voter revalidation less than a year before the elections could disrupt critical preparations, including logistics, staff training, and voter education. According to the group, such overlap risks overburdening INEC and weakening its capacity to conduct credible polls.

The organization also expressed concern over what it called inadequate public awareness about the exercise, noting that low visibility could further erode public trust in the electoral system. It warned that without proper communication and stakeholder engagement, the process could deepen voter skepticism and disengagement.

Beyond operational concerns, MCE raised alarms about the potential for manipulation. It suggested that the revalidation exercise could be exploited to disenfranchise certain groups of voters if not properly monitored, especially in Nigeria’s politically sensitive environment.

The group further criticized the lack of independent verification mechanisms, arguing that citizens would have no transparent way to confirm their participation outside official data released by INEC. It also questioned whether there would be sufficient time for claims and objections before the final voter register is produced.

MCE noted that INEC has historically maintained the voter register through periodic clean-ups without requiring citizens to undergo revalidation, adding that the proposed shift departs from established electoral practice and could create unnecessary barriers for voters.

Citing growing voter apathy in the country, the group warned that the exercise might discourage participation rather than strengthen confidence in the electoral process.

Among its recommendations, MCE called on the commission to strengthen existing mechanisms for maintaining the voter register, enhance transparency, and rebuild public trust through broader stakeholder engagement.

“The integrity of the voters’ register must not be compromised by wrongly timed and manipulable interventions,” the group said, stressing that Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford what it described as a “burdensome and shady experiment” ahead of the 2027 elections.

The call adds to growing scrutiny from civil society organizations over electoral preparations as the country gradually builds toward the next general polls.

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