INEC Considers Allowing Nigerians Without PVCs to Vote in 2027, Says Legal Backing Required for Technology-Driven Accreditation System
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hinted at the possibility of allowing eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections, provided the law is amended to support the move.
INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, told Our correspondent on Wednesday that while the commission is open to broadening voter access through technology, any such change must be backed by legal reforms.
“The commission is favourably disposed to stakeholders’ recommendation that PVCs should not be the only criterion for voting. However, the law must be amended to reflect this,” Oyekanmi stated.
This development follows earlier remarks by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja in December 2024. Yakubu had emphasized the growing importance of technology, especially the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), in improving election integrity and efficiency.
He revealed that INEC is considering allowing voters to use computer-generated slips—either issued by the commission or downloaded from its website—for accreditation in future polls. While current PVCs will still be valid, this alternative could reduce costs, ease logistics, and curb the illegal buying of voter cards.
“This will not only save cost but also eliminate the challenges of PVC collection and the diabolical practice of voter card buying to disenfranchise people,” Yakubu explained.
Despite the commission’s readiness to implement the shift, Oyekanmi reiterated that such a change cannot proceed without corresponding legislative backing.
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