INEC takes steps to authorize voting without a PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed interest in allowing eligible Nigerians to vote without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the 2027 general elections. 

The commission's Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi, stated that while INEC is committed to exploring technological advancements to enhance voter access, any such change would require legislative backing. This comes after INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, suggested in December 2024 that voters could use slips generated by the commission or downloaded from its website for accreditation. This proposal aims to reduce costs, streamline the electoral process, and combat the misuse of voter cards. However, Oyekanmi emphasized that the existing law must be amended to accommodate this new system. The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, introduced by INEC, plays a significant role in the commission's vision for a more technologically driven electoral process. The PVCs would still be valid for those who have them, but the alternative method would offer greater convenience and potentially reduce barriers to voting. This potential shift has been met with various reactions from political stakeholders and the public, with some praising the initiative and others expressing concerns about its feasibility and security implications.