2027: INEC begins gradual phase out of use of PVCs

…..Commission proposes reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system

BY MYKE UZENDU

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it would introduce measures that would make the commissions to rely solely on the. Use of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) during elections

This is even as it unveiled a series of reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral system, drawing from lessons learned during the 2023 general election and subsequent off-cycle polls. The proposals, which include legislative changes and administrative actions, will be presented to relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives.

INEC chairman professor Mahmoud Yakubu who made the disclosure while speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja on Thursday, in Abuja, emphasized the need for modernization and efficiency in election management.

He shared that after reviewing the 2023 election, the Commission identified 142 recommendations in key areas such as voter management, electoral operations, political party regulation, and election security.

The INEC boss further outlined several recommendations from the commission’s review of the 2023 General Election.

Speaking on the gradual abolition of PVC, he continued, “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. 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.”

The INEC Chairman explained that the commission has identified 142 recommendations arising from its review of the 2023 General Election, out of which 86 require administrative action by the commission, while 48 require action by various stakeholders.

“86 recommendations require action by the Commission, 48 need collaboration with external stakeholders, and 8 require legislative amendments by the National Assembly,” Yakubu explained. Among the major proposed reforms is the introduction of legal clarity regarding result transmission, including the balance between manual and electronic methods.

Yakubu also discussed changes to voter accreditation, proposing that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) be replaced with computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials, adding that this would streamline the process, reduce costs, and eliminate voter card-buying schemes.

Other key reforms include the introduction of early and diaspora voting, the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal, and a new agency for political party regulation.

INEC is also advocating for collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission to clean up the voters’ register and strengthen voter education to combat misinformation.

“The comprehensive recommendations will soon be available in both hard and soft copies to the public, and Yakubu urged RECs to engage with the report and contribute to building a more inclusive and efficient electoral system

Row in South east APC over SEDC board composition

BY OZOEMENA OSINACHI

South east stakeholders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have faulted the composition of the board of the newly g created South East Development Commission (SEDC), by president Bola Tinubu

This is even as they have accused House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu of jija king the commission through the alleged appointment office of his aides as chairman, executive directors and board members in the commission

Rejecting the alleged hijack, the South east APC stakeholders, through a letter written and signed by the National Vice chairman South east of the party, Ijeoma Arodiogu urged the president to revisit the list,claiming that it was lopsided and favoured only a particular group.of people, including those who did not contribute to the APC during the last election

The letter dated 9th December 2024 conveyed appreciations to the president on the developmental strides extended to the South East including the approval of SEDC. It however expressed dissatisfaction over the composition of the board and management of the commission and revealed that the appointment did not reflect the Act that established the commission.

The party accused the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu of deceiving the president into announcing a lopsided appointment in which five of his personal staff were appointed while Imo and Ebonyi were left behind.

It listed the five staff of the Deputy Speaker and nominees as Emeka Wogu (chairman of the Board), Stanley Ohajuruka(Executive Director for Finance), Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director of Projects and serving Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker) Dr. Clifford Ogbede( Board Member), Daniel Akwari ( Board member)

The stakeholders similarly accused the Deputy Speaker of hatching an ulterior motive by appointing five of his personal staff into one organization, adding that the intention is to have total control of the commission against the demands of the act of the commission

“ The Deputy Speaker is trying to do what we are all preaching against . He wants to hijack the commission and treat it like a private company. it is okay to appoint your personal staff in different organizations but having five of your personal staff that receives salary from your office in one organization is as good as having a family of six run a government agency.

“This is the kind of greed we all should stand up against. He should be investigated and probed and if found guilty, he should leave public service. We won’t allow such mindsets to lead us because it’s devious and detrimental to a democratic society.”

The party appealed to the president to review the nominations and address the matter by ensuring compliance with the