Political News
Ijeoma Okon
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce legal reforms that would enable eligible voters to cast their ballots even without a Permanent Voter Card (PVC), signaling a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu revealed that the commission is exploring the possibility of expanding the legal definition of valid voting credentials to include digital alternatives and other verifiable forms of identification. According to Yakubu, the move is part of a broader effort to modernize elections, enhance inclusivity, and reduce disenfranchisement due to lost or delayed PVCs.
“Technology has evolved, and so must our electoral laws,” Yakubu stated. “We are proposing legislative amendments to allow for more flexible, secure, and inclusive voting mechanisms, especially in situations where voters are otherwise verified but unable to present a physical PVC.”
The proposal is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in the coming months as part of a wider electoral reform package. If passed, the changes could pave the way for digital ID-based voting or the use of biometric verification alone, especially for those already captured in INEC’s database.
While the move has been welcomed by some civil society groups advocating for electoral access, others have raised concerns about potential loopholes that could compromise election integrity. INEC has assured the public that any new system would undergo rigorous testing and public consultation before implementation.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the reform debate is likely to intensify, with both supporters and critics weighing in on what the future of voting should look like in Africa’s largest democracy.