The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it is open to allowing eligible Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 general elections, but cautioned that legislative amendments must back the proposal.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed openness to allowing Nigerians without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 elections. Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on April 23, 2025, stating that such a change would require legislative amendments.
Prof. Yakubu had previously proposed the shift during a consultative meeting in December 2024, citing the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a potential alternative for voter identification.
“The commission also believes that… the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation… should be reviewed,” Yakubu said. He added that computer-generated slips could reduce costs and logistical challenges.
Oyekanmi noted, “While the commission is favourably disposed… the law needs to be amended to reflect it.”
The National Assembly is currently reviewing the Electoral Act, and if amended, this proposal could enhance voter accessibility and curb election-related malpractice.