In a potential shift with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s electoral process, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared its willingness to allow eligible Nigerians to vote in the 2027 general elections without the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)—but only if current electoral laws are amended to permit such a move.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, confirmed the electoral body’s position during a recent interview, underscoring that while INEC supports innovations aimed at broadening voter access and curbing fraud, it remains bound by the nation’s legal framework.
“It is not our stand alone that is important,” Oyekanmi stated. “Equally critical is what the subsisting law says. While the commission is favourably disposed to the recommendation by stakeholders—that PVCs alone should not be the only criterion for voting at an election—the law needs to be amended to reflect it.”
The remarks signal a measured but meaningful openness from Nigeria’s election umpire to embrace reforms that could significantly alter how millions of Nigerians participate in the democratic process. Central to this conversation is the adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), a digital technology introduced to authenticate voters through fingerprint and facial recognition.
INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, previously hinted at such reforms during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in December 2024. At the time, Yakubu stressed the need to reassess the exclusive reliance on PVCs for voter accreditation on election day.
“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the use of the Permanent Voter Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” Yakubu said.
He added that alternative forms of accreditation—such as computer-generated slips or QR codes downloaded directly from INEC’s official website—could serve as valid credentials for voters. “This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them,” he said.
The high cost and logistical challenges associated with PVC distribution have long been criticized by electoral observers, civil society organizations, and international partners. According to INEC data, millions of PVCs went uncollected during the last election cycle, highlighting a gap that disproportionately affects rural and marginalized communities.
Reform advocates argue that relaxing the PVC requirement could lower barriers to participation, especially among young voters and Nigerians in the diaspora. Some analysts suggest that modernizing the identification process could also limit opportunities for voter suppression and electoral manipulation.
Still, INEC’s proposal is not without its detractors. Critics caution against hasty implementation of alternative voting credentials, citing concerns over digital literacy, cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and the potential for new forms of electoral fraud.
Oyekanmi, however, reiterated that no decision would be taken unilaterally. “INEC operates within the framework of the law,” he emphasized. “While we are keen on innovations that enhance transparency and inclusivity, every step must be legally backed to ensure the credibility of the process.”
To move forward, the National Assembly would need to amend the Electoral Act, a process that would involve public hearings, committee debates, and ultimately, executive assent. While no bill on the issue has yet been tabled, insiders suggest that discussions are underway behind closed doors, with lawmakers weighing both the political and technical implications of such a shift.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, the debate over voter accreditation methods is likely to intensify. At stake is the delicate balance between modernizing a complex electoral system and preserving the integrity of the democratic process.
For now, INEC has thrown down the gauntlet—signaling a readiness to embrace a future where digital identification and voter access can coexist. Whether Nigeria’s lawmakers are ready to meet that challenge remains to be seen.
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