The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans for major changes to Nigeria’s voting system, which include phasing out the traditional Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and introducing a new system for Nigerians living abroad to vote. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, explained that instead of PVCs, voters will use computer-generated slips or digital credentials to confirm their identity at polling stations. This move is aimed at cutting costs and reducing issues like the illegal sale of voter cards.
In addition to these changes, INEC is working towards clarifying the methods for transmitting election results, planning to combine both manual and electronic systems. The commission also wants to introduce early voting and a system for Nigerians in the diaspora to participate in elections. Other proposed reforms include setting up an electoral offences tribunal and creating a separate body to oversee political party registration. These steps are part of INEC’s broader effort to make the electoral process more efficient, secure, and accessible, particularly for Nigerians who have been historically marginalized in the system.
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