Author: Abdulmajeed Abdullateef
Date: April 24, 2025
In a bid to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process and make voting more accessible, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is pushing for legislative reforms that would allow Nigerians to vote in the 2027 general elections without a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced its readiness to permit eligible citizens to vote without the traditional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the upcoming 2027 general elections. However, this initiative hinges on the amendment of existing electoral laws to support the change.
According to Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, the commission is exploring ways to utilize technology to improve voter access. He stressed that although INEC supports broadening voting options, it cannot act outside the current legal framework.
This development follows a statement made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja back in December 2024. Yakubu emphasized the increasing reliance on technology—particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)—as a more efficient means of managing elections.
Yakubu pointed out that while existing PVCs would still be valid, INEC envisions a future where voters could be accredited using computer-generated slips issued by the commission or downloaded directly from its website. This would reduce election costs, ease logistical challenges, and help tackle the unethical buying of PVCs intended to suppress voter participation.
He further stated, “The commission believes that with BVAS, the PVC should no longer be the only means of identifying voters on election day. Those with PVCs can still vote, but new alternatives—like downloadable accreditation slips—should also be valid.”
In an update on Wednesday, Oyekanmi reiterated that any transition to this system would require a corresponding change in electoral law. “The commission may support the proposal, but what really matters is what the law currently permits,” he said.
This potential reform comes amid broader discussions on how to improve Nigeria’s electoral integrity and voter inclusion, including proposals to enable voting for Nigerians living abroad.
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