The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced on Thursday its proposal to review the use of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as the sole means of voter accreditation for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This initiative comes as part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing the country’s electoral system, drawing from lessons learned during the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls.
During a meeting in Abuja with Resident Electoral Commissioners, INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu suggested that the introduction of computer-generated slips, which could be issued to voters or downloaded from the Commission’s website, could serve as sufficient means for accreditation on Election Day.
“The Commission believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the reliance on PVCs as the only identification method should be reviewed,” Yakubu stated. “Those who possess PVCs will still be able to vote, but moving forward, computer-generated slips will be acceptable for voter accreditation.”
Yakubu emphasized that this change would not only reduce costs but also address challenges related to PVC collection, including the troubling practice of voters being coerced into surrendering their cards, which can lead to disenfranchisement.
He indicated that INEC will soon present legislative proposals to relevant committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives, with a focus on modernizing election management and tackling persistent challenges.
“With the conclusion of five significant off-cycle gubernatorial elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 General Election, now is the optimal time to begin implementing our recommendations based on the review of the General Election,” Yakubu added.
The INEC chairman highlighted that the Commission had identified 142 recommendations pertaining to various aspects of the electoral process, including voter management, education, political party conduct, electoral operations, and election security. This comprehensive approach aims to improve the overall electoral framework and ensure a more effective election process in the future.
