The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed a significant shift in the voting process for future elections, suggesting that the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) should no longer be the exclusive means of voter accreditation.
This suggestion follows the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which has prompted the Commission to recommend the use of computer-generated voting slips for voter accreditation, particularly for individuals who may not have PVCs.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, made this announcement during a quarterly consultative meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday. Yakubu explained that the Commission had conducted an extensive review of the 2023 general election, as well as subsequent off-cycle governorship elections and bye-elections. This thorough assessment led to the development of 142 recommendations, which are aimed at addressing various aspects of the electoral process and improving its overall efficiency.
One of the key recommendations discussed by Yakubu was the need for reform in the management of voter accreditation. The Commission emphasized that while PVCs would still be valid for voters who already possess them, the use of computer-generated slips—either issued at polling units or downloaded from INEC’s website—could serve as an alternative. This approach would reduce costs, ease the collection process, and potentially reduce the risks of voter disenfranchisement related to the illegal acquisition or manipulation of PVCs.
In addition to the recommendations on voter accreditation, Yakubu highlighted the broader scope of the review, which covers critical areas such as voter management, election operations, public communication, security, and the legal framework governing elections in Nigeria. The review identified 86 recommendations that require immediate administrative action by INEC, alongside 48 recommendations that involve collaboration with external stakeholders such as political parties, security agencies, mobile network operators, civil society groups, and the media. Furthermore, there are eight recommendations that call for legislative action by the National Assembly, particularly regarding the legal clarity of result management, with emphasis on the debate over the manual versus electronic transmission of election results.
Yakubu emphasized that one of the major issues to be addressed is the legal framework surrounding result transmission. INEC intends to seek further legislative support to ensure clarity and efficiency in result management, a critical issue that has sparked considerable debate in recent years.
Additionally, Yakubu outlined several other key proposals from the review report. One notable suggestion is the introduction of early voting for essential workers such as journalists, INEC staff, and security personnel—individuals who often cannot vote due to their election-related duties. The Commission is also exploring the possibility of extending voting rights to Nigerians living abroad through diaspora voting, an issue that has long been advocated by various groups.
The review also calls for the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a separate regulatory body to oversee political party registration. These proposals are designed to strengthen the integrity of the electoral system and ensure better enforcement of electoral laws.
INEC has also outlined plans to enhance voter access to polling units by working closely with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the National Population Commission (NPC) to clean up the national voters’ register. In addition, the Commission is advocating for affirmative action to encourage greater participation from historically underrepresented groups, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities. A critical part of this initiative includes combating misinformation and disinformation through more effective voter education programs.
Finally, in its push to refine logistical operations, INEC intends to use the lessons learned from previous elections, such as the early deployments in the Ondo State Governorship election, to improve future operations. The Commission also plans to review its logistics agreements with transport unions and service providers, ensuring smoother and more efficient processes leading up to and during election days.
Yakubu concluded by stressing that INEC’s ongoing reforms are aimed at making the electoral process more inclusive, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the electorate. The Commission is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that future elections are conducted in a manner that fosters greater confidence and participation from all Nigerians.
