2027: INEC announces alternative for PVCs

News Update

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is planning to make voting easier by reducing the need for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

With the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), voters may soon use computer-generated slips instead of PVCs.

INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu shared this during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He explained that this new system will make voting smoother, save money, and stop issues like delays in collecting PVCs and voter card fraud.

“The Commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) 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 costs; 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 said.

The commission is also working on other changes.

These include cleaning up the voters’ register, allowing early voting for journalists and essential workers, and making it possible for Nigerians living abroad to vote.

INEC is also looking for ways to include more women and young people in elections.

These steps are part of a plan to make elections better and more reliable for everyone.