2027 Elections: INEC Plans to Legalize Voting Without PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to amend current electoral processes to allow Nigerians to vote without presenting a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) in the 2027 general elections. This significant policy shift is part of INEC’s broader efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electoral system, improve accessibility, and reduce voter disenfranchisement.

According to the Commission, the proposed changes are aimed at embracing technological advancements and addressing the logistical and systemic challenges that have long plagued the distribution and collection of PVCs. Many eligible voters have been unable to participate in past elections due to delays in PVC issuance, loss of cards, or bureaucratic bottlenecks. INEC officials argue that allowing alternative forms of voter verification, such as biometric authentication and digital ID systems, could significantly streamline the process and boost voter turnout.

INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, hinted at the possibility during a stakeholders’ meeting, noting that the Commission is exploring the integration of more flexible and tech-driven identification systems for the 2027 elections.

“We are reviewing our processes to make voting more inclusive and efficient. If we can verify a voter’s identity reliably without the physical PVC, then we must not let bureaucracy stand in the way of citizens exercising their democratic rights,” he said.

The proposed reform will require legal amendments to the Electoral Act, as current laws mandate the presentation of a PVC before a voter can be accredited. The Commission has said it will work closely with the National Assembly, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to ensure the legal framework aligns with the evolving electoral technologies.

If successful, this development could mark a transformative step toward more accessible, technology-driven elections in Nigeria, potentially setting a precedent for other African democracies.