The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated its openness to allowing eligible Nigerians to vote in the 2027 general elections without the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), provided the necessary legislative changes are made.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, told *The PUNCH* on Wednesday that while the commission aims to broaden voter access through technology, such a move must be legally backed.
This development builds on earlier comments by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who in December 2024, during a quarterly meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners, emphasized the increasing role of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in improving the voting process.
Yakubu stated that while PVCs would still be valid, future elections could permit the use of computer-generated slips issued by INEC or downloaded from its website for accreditation. He said this approach could cut costs, ease logistics, and prevent voter card trafficking.
“With the use of BVAS, the idea of relying solely on PVCs for voter accreditation on election day should be reconsidered,” Yakubu said. “Those who already have PVCs can continue to use them, but going forward, slips generated by the commission or downloaded by voters could also serve the same purpose.”
“This would reduce the financial burden, eliminate issues with PVC collection, and help prevent unethical practices like voter card buying,” he added. In a follow-up on Wednesday, Oyekanmi reaffirmed the commission’s position but underscored the importance of legal backing. “INEC’s willingness alone is not enough. What the law currently provides is also crucial. While we support the suggestion that voting shouldn’t be limited to just those with PVCs, the law must first be amended to allow it,” he said.
Source : https://punchng.com/
