Analysis
As INEC phases out PVC: Is NIN the alternative for Nigeria’s electoral process?
DDM News

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to phase out the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the primary means of voter accreditation in Nigeria’s elections.
Diaspora digital media (DDM), gathered this groundbreaking move, announced by INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, signals a significant shift in the nation’s electoral process.
The decision could mark the end of the decade-old “no PVC, no voting” rule, which has been a cornerstone of voter accreditation in Nigeria.
INEC plans to introduce computer-generated voter slips and online downloads as alternatives to the PVC.
According to Yakubu, this transition will simplify the voting process, reduce logistical challenges, and save costs.
“Those who already have PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to voters or downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation,” Yakubu explained.
“This will eliminate the perennial issues around PVC collection and the undemocratic practice of buying voter cards to disenfranchise citizens,” he added.
Since its introduction in 2015, the PVC has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, enabling the use of smart card readers to authenticate voters.
Over time, however, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has replaced smart card readers, offering advanced biometric features for voter verification.
With BVAS, voter details are now accessed using the Voter Identification Number (VIN), while authentication is conducted through biometric scans, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, making the PVC less critical.
The Bottlenecks of PVC Dependency
Critics have long argued that the reliance on PVCs creates obstacles for voters.
For instance, millions of PVCs remain uncollected before every election.
In the 2023 general elections, over 6.2 million PVCs were left unclaimed nationwide, including 515,254 in Oyo State alone—representing over 15% of registered voters in the state.
Many cited logistical issues and bureaucratic delays as reasons for failing to collect their cards.
Election expert Austin Aigbe supports INEC’s plan, stating, “Restricting voting to only those with PVCs is one of the worst practices in Nigeria.”
“This policy has led to the mass buying of voter cards and disenfranchisement of citizens unable to collect theirs,” he continued.
“We are in the digital age; voter accreditation should not be tied to physical cards.
A voter card is a voter card, whether in physical or digital form,” he emphasized.
The move to phase out PVCs is expected to improve voter turnout and streamline the process for transferring polling units or replacing lost cards.
However, implementing this change will require an amendment to the Electoral Act of 2022, which currently mandates the use of PVCs for voting.
Section 16(1) of the Act empowers INEC to design, print, and issue PVCs, while Section 47(1) specifies that voters must present their PVCs for accreditation on Election Day.
Without legal reforms, INEC’s plan may face significant pushback, with some viewing it as an attempt to weaken the electoral process.
NIN as a Possible Alternative
Amidst these developments, discussions are gaining momentum in the National Assembly about using the National Identity Number (NIN) as an alternative to PVCs.
Bayo Balogun, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, revealed plans to integrate NIN into voter registration and make it a mandatory requirement for voting.
Speaking on the issue, Balogun stated, “Before you vote, you must first prove that you are Nigerian, and the only secure way to verify citizenship is through the NIN.”
“We have engaged the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and they have assured us of their capacity to register every eligible citizen,” he added.
The NIN, which is already linked to databases for telecommunications, passports, and exams, offers a more stringent verification process than the PVC.
Its unique identification number could serve as a reliable tool for voter accreditation, potentially addressing challenges like lost or stolen voter cards.
Lawmakers aim to conclude amendments to the Electoral Act by mid-2025, well ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, integrating NIN into the electoral system comes with its own set of challenges.
For instance, cases of falsified ages during NIN registration or non-Nigerians obtaining NIN could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
Aigbe pointed out that addressing these issues would require significant improvements in Nigeria’s data management and verification systems.
“The priority should be removing barriers to voting, not introducing new complications,” he emphasized.
Lessons from Ghana
Ghana’s experience offers valuable insights for Nigeria as it explores alternatives to PVCs.
The Ghanaian Electoral Commission has successfully incorporated biometric verification devices (BVDs) and QR codes into its voter register.
Voters in Ghana do not need physical cards to vote; instead, polling officials scan QR codes linked to their voter details.
Despite the success of this system, efforts to use the Ghana Card—a national identification card similar to NIN—for voter accreditation have faced resistance from politicians.
This highlights the difficulty of implementing major electoral reforms in politically charged environments, a challenge Nigeria is also likely to encounter.
The Case for Digital Transition
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have long advocated for a more inclusive voting process, arguing that the PVC requirement often excludes eligible voters.
Mboho Eno, Deputy Director at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, supports abolishing the PVC.
“The ultimate aim should be to allow citizens to vote wherever they are, without physical or logistical barriers,” Eno argued.
“The focus should be on making voting accessible, not cumbersome,” he added.
The proposed transition away from PVCs underscores the urgent need to strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Reliable and secure digital systems are crucial for harmonizing voter data and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
While some progress has been made in integrating NIN with telecommunications and other databases, efforts to harmonize Nigeria’s fragmented identity systems have been slow and poorly coordinated.
The Road Ahead
As the 2027 elections approach, the debate over replacing PVCs with NIN or other digital alternatives will intensify.
Lawmakers, electoral officials, and civil society groups must navigate a complex web of legal, technical, and political challenges to implement these reforms.
Key considerations include amending the Electoral Act, addressing data security concerns, and building public trust in digital systems.
INEC’s phased approach to discontinuing PVCs is a step towards modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system.
However, success will depend on the commission’s ability to address logistical and legal hurdles while maintaining transparency and inclusivity.
Integrating NIN into the process could offer a viable alternative, but only if implemented carefully and backed by robust digital infrastructure.
For now, the future of PVCs in Nigeria’s elections remains uncertain.
One thing is clear: the nation’s electoral system is on the cusp of a digital revolution.
Whether through computer-generated slips, NIN, or other innovations, the goal must be to create a system that empowers every Nigerian to participate in the democratic process without barriers.
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