INEC considers allowing voting without PVCs ahead of 2027 elections

As Nigeria begins early preparations for the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hinted at a possible shift in its voter identification process.

The commission has expressed its willingness to allow eligible Nigerians to vote without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)—but only if the law permits it.

Speaking on Wednesday, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, revealed that the electoral body is open to adopting innovative technologies that would expand access to the ballot and improve voter participation.

“Our commitment to expanding voter participation remains strong,” Oyekanmi stated, “but we must operate within the bounds of the law. Until the necessary legal provisions are in place, PVCs remain the only recognized means of voting.”

This move builds on comments made by INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, during a consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja back in December 2024. There, he hinted at the commission’s interest in more inclusive and tech-driven voting processes for future elections.

Yakubu highlighted the growing role of technology, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, in streamlining the electoral process.

He noted that while PVCs will remain valid for those who possess them, future elections could allow voters to use slips generated by INEC or downloaded from its official website for accreditation.

This shift, he said, would lower costs, ease logistical burdens, and curb the misuse of voter cards.

“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed.

“Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation.

“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,” Yakubu explained.

However, giving an update in an interview with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Oyekanmi stressed that any change in the voting procedure must be supported by corresponding legal amendments.

“It is not our stand alone that is important. Equally critical is what the subsisting law says. While the commission is favourable 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,” he said.