The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has indicated its readiness to allow eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections, provided that the necessary legal framework is put in place.
Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, disclosed this in a statement to The PUNCH on Wednesday. He noted that while the commission is committed to enhancing voter access through technology, existing laws must be amended before any departure from the PVC-only system can be implemented.
The development follows earlier remarks made by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, during a quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners held in Abuja in December 2024.
Prof. Yakubu emphasized the growing importance of technology in the electoral process, particularly the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which has improved election management.
He explained that while PVCs will continue to be valid for those who already possess them, future elections could see the introduction of INEC-generated or downloadable slips as valid forms of accreditation. According to him, such a shift would reduce costs, simplify logistics, and help prevent the misuse of voter cards.
“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the use of the Permanent Voter Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” he stated.
