INEC pushes to replace PVCs with digital voter cards for better transparency and efficiency by 2027.
Abuja, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce digital voter cards ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of a sweeping electoral reform proposal aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s voting system and increasing transparency.
INEC Pushes Digital Voter Cards to Replace PVCs
Mohammad Kuna, Special Adviser to the INEC Chairman, revealed the proposal during a retreat in Lagos involving the Joint Committee of the National Assembly on Electoral Matters.
He emphasized that replacing physical Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) with digital voter cards would enhance efficiency, accountability, and security in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Kuna noted, “The commission is also pushing for the introduction of electronically downloadable voters’ cards to replace the use of PVCs.” This innovation is expected to streamline the voter registration and verification processes while reducing logistics challenges experienced in previous elections.
Digital Voter Cards and Decentralized Electoral Oversight
As part of the reforms, INEC also seeks amendments to the Constitution and the Electoral Act that would shift the power of appointing Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from the President to the Commission itself. The new role would be renamed as State Directors of Elections, directly accountable to INEC.
The amendment to Section 14(3)(f) of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution and Section 6(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 aims to confer appointment and disciplinary powers on INEC for these positions.
Kuna stressed that these reforms, including the digital voter cards, are designed to restore voter trust and ensure a more credible process.
INEC’s Constitutional Reform Agenda
Currently, the appointment of RECs is handled by the President under Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution. INEC wants this power transferred to its control to eliminate political influence and promote neutrality. This would also allow the Commission to discipline State Directors of Elections who fail to meet professional standards.
Digital Voter Cards Seen as Step Toward Transparency
According to INEC, the move to digital voter cards aligns with global best practices and provides a scalable digital infrastructure for elections. If approved, Nigerian voters could download their voter ID securely through an official portal before the 2027 elections.
The reforms will also redefine the roles of state-level INEC officials, making them answerable to the Commission rather than the Executive. This shift, INEC argues, is vital to ensuring impartiality and improving voter confidence.
The current provision under Section 6 of the Electoral Act allows RECs to serve a five-year renewable term, but only the President can remove them, with Senate approval. INEC’s proposed changes seek to streamline these processes while maintaining democratic checks and balances.
Conclusion: Nigeria Eyes a Digital Voting Future
INEC’s proposal for digital voter cards and restructuring of electoral authority underscores its drive to build a more modern and independent electoral system in Nigeria.
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The proposed bill, if passed by lawmakers, these changes could mark a significant transformation in how Nigerians vote and how elections are managed nationwide.
