INEC Proposes Destroying Unclaimed PVCs

INEC to Destroy Unclaimed Voter’s Cards

• INEC is considering withdrawing PVCs uncollected for over 10 years.
• Over six million PVCs remained unclaimed as of the 2023 elections.
• The proposal is one of 208 recommendations from the 2023 election review.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is exploring a plan to withdraw and destroy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that have been uncollected for more than a decade. This suggestion emerged from a review of the 2023 general elections, which identified over six million unclaimed voter cards, including some issued as far back as 2015.

According to INEC, keeping such a backlog disrupts voter management. Stakeholders in the review suggested that PVCs unclaimed since 2015 should be destroyed, noting that the likelihood of collection is low and maintaining these cards serves no practical purpose.

INEC also highlighted efforts made to ensure PVCs were collected ahead of the 2023 elections. The commission extended the collection deadline and worked with civil society organizations (CSOs) to simplify the process. Despite these initiatives, many cards remain unclaimed, raising concerns about inefficiencies and wasted resources.

In addition to managing uncollected PVCs, INEC proposed broader reforms to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process. It suggested phasing out PVCs altogether, with voters potentially using digital credentials or registration slips for accreditation through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). This shift would require amendments to the Electoral Act, which currently mandates presenting PVCs at polling stations.

The proposed destruction of uncollected PVCs has drawn mixed reactions. Some legal experts and political stakeholders back the idea, citing the cards’ redundancy and possible links to fraudulent registrations. However, others argue it is wasteful and premature, suggesting instead that INEC increase public awareness and accountability to encourage collection.

INEC emphasized that any changes would align with legal frameworks and serve to streamline Nigeria’s electoral system. The commission remains committed to fostering transparency and efficiency in managing the country’s voter database.

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