The Executive Director, Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo has criticised the timing of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Voter Revalidation exercise describing it as deeply problematic.
Itodo through his verified official Facebook handle said “As of this moment the framework, scope, procedures, and implications are unknown to the public.”
He pointed out “A voter revalidation exercise has serious political and electoral consequences, so timing and transparency is absolutely critical.”
While he agreed that “Nigeria’s voter register is in dire need of urgent clean-up to remove errors, multiple registrants, and dead persons,” Itodo stressed “The much talked about INEC revalidation exercise is definitely a great approach to clean the register,” but he argued that the timing is wrong.
Itodo argued “This is a case of a good policy implemented at a wrong time. The 2027 electoral cycle has the most compressed timelines for electoral activities, and it is clear the system is overstretched.”
He highlighted why the timing was wrong ,the “ Continuous Voter Registration is still ongoing, political party primaries are set to begin in a matter of weeks, and delays in the release of funding to INEC have already placed enormous pressure on the commission’s preparations.”
The Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director stressed “Introducing a nationwide revalidation exercise now risks overwhelming the system, confusing voters, and potentially suppressing participation, especially among those who may not understand the process or miss the revalidation deadline.”
While urging INEC to proceed with caution and reconsider the timing, he pointed out “The most appropriate time for revalidation is immediately after a general election, when there is more time for proper planning, consultation, public sensitization, and implementation without undermining the credibility of the electoral process.”
Yiaga Africa,Executive Director, Samson Itodo
