The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed a report claiming it plans to destroy over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The Commission clarified its position in a statement issued in response to a recent newspaper publication.
“Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration. The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs. The public is advised to discountenance the story,” INEC stated.
INEC also addressed ongoing discussions about enhancing the voting process ahead of future elections. Speaking during the quarterly consultative meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja last month, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu suggested that PVCs should no longer be the sole requirement for voter accreditation.
He highlighted the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as a game-changer, enabling more flexible and secure voter identification methods.
“The Commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System BVAS, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVC) as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on Election Day should be reviewed,” Yakubu stated.
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“Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the Commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation. This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them.”
Yakubu noted that the Commission had engaged widely with its officials and major stakeholders after publishing its 524-page report on the 2023 general elections. Among the recommendations was a proposal to address the issue of uncollected PVCs.
Vanguard gathered that during these consultations, one stakeholder suggested withdrawing PVCs issued since 2015 that remain uncollected. However, INEC has not taken any decision to this effect.
The Commission emphasized its commitment to enhancing the electoral process while ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.