By Chiagoziem Abosi
Edited by Bababunmi Agbebi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that registered voters in Nigeria are still required to present their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to participate in elections, despite ongoing discussions around electoral reforms and improved voter accreditation systems.
The clarification comes as the commission, now led by Joash Amupitan, addresses growing public interest in whether future elections could allow voting without PVCs.
While technological improvements such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been introduced, the system is still used alongside PVCs and does not replace them.
BVAS is designed to verify voter identity using fingerprint and facial recognition, but voters must still be registered and accredited within the existing legal framework.
Recent conversations appear to be driven by ongoing electoral reform discussions and public interest in improving voter access and convenience.
Issues such as delayed PVC collection, lost cards, and logistical challenges have fuelled debates about whether Nigeria should eventually adopt more flexible or fully digital voting systems.
However, INEC has not announced any policy removing the PVC requirement.
Under the leadership of Joash Ojo Amupitan, the commission says its focus remains on strengthening electoral transparency, improving voter access, and enhancing technology within the limits of existing law.
INEC has also urged voters to continue collecting and safeguarding their PVCs ahead of future elections.
Any major change to voting requirements, the commission notes, would require amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly.
For residents of Ikeja, the clarification is important as political activities gradually build ahead of future elections.
Many eligible voters still experience challenges with PVC collection or replacement, but INEC says reforms are ongoing within the legal framework.
Until formal changes are made, PVC remains essential for voting in Nigeria.
For now, voters are advised to keep their PVCs safe and follow official INEC updates.
💬 Should Nigeria eventually move to a fully digital voting system, or should PVC remain mandatory?
