The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed reforms to Nigeria’s electoral process, including a review of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) as the sole means of voter accreditation. INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, made this announcement during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja on Thursday, highlighting lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls.
Yakubu suggested that computer-generated voter slips—either issued directly by INEC or downloaded from its website—could serve as valid accreditation for eligible voters in the 2027 general elections.
“With the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” Yakubu said.
He clarified that voters already in possession of PVCs could still use them to vote but emphasized that the proposed system would streamline the process, reduce costs, and eliminate issues surrounding PVC collection and misuse, including vote-buying schemes.
INEC plans to present its legislative proposals to the relevant committees in the National Assembly soon, aiming to modernize Nigeria’s electoral system and address long-standing challenges.
Yakubu noted that the reforms are informed by recommendations from internal and external reviews of the 2023 elections. The Commission has identified 142 key recommendations covering various aspects of election management, including voter education, political party oversight, election logistics, personnel training, security, and the legal framework.
“With the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 General Election, this is the most appropriate time for us to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from our review,” Yakubu stated.
The proposed changes aim to improve voter experience, enhance transparency, and prevent electoral malpractices ahead of the next general elections.
