The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is considering a policy to withdraw and destroy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that remain uncollected for a decade. This recommendation stems from the commission’s review of the 2023 general elections, which highlighted the persistent issue of unclaimed PVCs .
Over six million PVCs remain uncollected, with many dating back to 2015. Stakeholders suggest that these cards are unlikely to be claimed and their retention clogs the voter management system. INEC had extended the deadline for PVC collection twice, but many registered voters still haven’t collected their cards.
The commission proposes to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process, including phasing out PVCs and introducing diaspora voting. With the adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), PVCs may no longer be necessary for voter accreditation.
Reactions to the proposal are mixed. The Labour Party supports the initiative, citing the need to declutter the voter register. In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) express concerns, arguing that destroying PVCs could be a waste of resources and undermine public trust in INEC.
Some Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) back INEC’s plan, stating that there are no legal impediments to destroying uncollected PVCs. However, others advocate for greater awareness campaigns to encourage collection instead of destruction.
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