Kehinde Fajobi
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a policy to withdraw and destroy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that remain uncollected for over a decade.
This proposal emerged among 208 recommendations following the review of the 2023 general elections.
Over six million PVCs remain uncollected, with many issued as far back as 2015. INEC noted that these unclaimed cards are burdening the voter management system.
A statement by INEC revealed, “The low rate of PVC collection and other related challenges illustrate issues in voter processing.
“To address this, the commission implemented policies to ease collection, including online tracking and partnerships with CSOs. Despite these efforts, millions of PVCs remain uncollected.”
The commission is also exploring alternatives like phasing out PVCs entirely, using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to identify voters through biometrics and digital registration slips.
This would require amending the Electoral Act, which currently mandates PVC presentation for voting.
Opinions on the proposed destruction of PVCs vary across political parties, according to The Punch.
Kehinde Edun, National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, supported the initiative, saying, “Destroying long-unclaimed PVCs might be necessary to declutter the voter register, especially if many of the owners are deceased.”
However, Timothy Osadolor, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, criticised the move.
“Destroying PVCs produced with taxpayers’ money is wasteful. INEC should work on rebuilding its credibility instead of contemplating such actions,” he said.
The NNPP also urged caution. Ladipo Johnson, its National Publicity Secretary, stated, “Destroying six million PVCs is a waste. If their owners resurface, reissuing cards will cost even more.”
Some legal experts who spoke to The Punch, backed INEC’s plan. Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN) said, “Many of these uncollected PVCs are likely fraudulent or products of double registration. They should be destroyed to free up space.”
Another SAN, Sam Erugo, added, “Uncollected cards are already useless and could be misused for electoral fraud. Destroying them ensures integrity.”
Paul Obi (SAN), however, called for increased awareness instead.
“These cards belong to Nigerians and should not be destroyed. INEC must create more awareness to ensure collection,” he argued.
INEC continues to explore reforms, including introducing diaspora voting and modernising election processes, as part of efforts to enhance Nigeria’s electoral system.