The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a shift in its voting process for the 2027 general elections, potentially allowing eligible Nigerians to vote without the traditional Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

However, INEC has stressed that such a change would require amendments to the existing electoral laws.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, confirmed that while the commission is open to expanding voter access through technology, legal changes must first be made to accommodate such a shift. “It is not our stand alone that is important. Equally critical is what the subsisting law says. The law needs to be amended to reflect it,” Oyekanmi said.

The proposed change comes after INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, discussed the possibility of using computer-generated slips or downloadable documents for voter accreditation during a consultative meeting in December 2024.

Yakubu noted that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has significantly improved the accreditation process and could be leveraged further.

Yakubu elaborated, stating, “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 save costs and eliminate issues with PVC collection and the illicit practice of buying up cards from voters.”

INEC’s proposal highlights a broader trend toward the use of technology in elections, aiming to streamline processes and reduce logistical burdens.

While PVCs will remain valid for those who possess them, the commission aims to create a more inclusive system for future elections.

However, Oyekanmi pointed out that any changes to the procedure will depend on legislative amendments. “The law must be updated before we can implement these changes,” he added.