INEC Plans to Legalize Voting Without PVCs for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed willingness to allow eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections, but insists such a move requires legislative amendments.

Technology-Driven Voting Reforms

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, revealed the commission’s commitment to expanding voter access through technology. However, he emphasized that legal provisions must first be updated to accommodate any shift from the current PVC-only system.

INEC Chairman’s Proposal

The initiative follows remarks by INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu during a December 2024 quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja. Yakubu highlighted the growing role of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in streamlining electoral processes.

He noted that while PVCs will remain valid for current holders, future elections could allow voters to use:

• Computer-generated slips issued by INEC
• Digital credentials downloaded from INEC’s official website

Benefits of the Proposed System

Yakubu outlined several advantages of the proposed changes:

• Reduced operational costs
• Eased logistical burdens
• Prevention of voter card misuse
• Elimination of PVC collection challenges
• Protection against voter disenfranchisement schemes

Legal Considerations

Oyekanmi stressed that any changes to voting procedures must be supported by corresponding legal amendments:

“While the commission is favorably disposed to stakeholders’ recommendations that PVCs alone shouldn’t be the only voting criterion, the law needs to be amended to reflect this.”

The proposed changes represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral process, potentially making voting more accessible while maintaining election integrity through technological solutions.

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