INEC Considers Voting Without PVCs in 2027 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is open to allowing eligible voters without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to vote in the 2027 elections, but only if the law is amended.

INEC’s spokesperson, Rotimi Oyekanmi, while addressing the press on Wednesday, April 23, disclosed that the commission is keen to expand voter access through technology. However, he stressed that any shift from the current PVC-only system must be backed by legal changes.

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This follows earlier comments by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who in December 2024 suggested that voters could use INEC-issued or downloadable slips instead of PVCs. He said this would reduce costs, simplify logistics, and help prevent voter card fraud.

“The use of PVCs should be reviewed,” Yakubu said, noting that the new Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) supports such innovations.

PVCs will still be valid for those who have them, he added, but the commission aims to make voting more accessible and secure in future elections.