Voter Registration Still Requires Physical Presence, Says INEC

Nigeria’s electoral commission, INEC, has confirmed that online pre-registration for voter cards does not eliminate the need for in-person verification. The Commission said that physical capture of fingerprints and biometric data remains essential for issuing a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

Bayode Lawrence, INEC’s Director of ICT, said in a television interview that the current system requires voters to complete registration at INEC offices after filling in personal details online. He said this process helps prevent fraud and duplication in the voter register.

Lawrence also said INEC is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to integrate national ID data in future exercises, which could reduce the need for in-person attendance.

Applicants without internet access can register entirely at local INEC offices. The Commission has also made provisions for those with damaged or lost PVCs to request replacements through the portal.