INEC Considers Destroying Uncollected PVCs to Address Voter Management Issues

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is deliberating on a policy to withdraw and destroy Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that have remained unclaimed for a decade.

This proposal emerged from the commission’s review of the 2023 general elections, which included 208 recommendations aimed at improving Nigeria’s electoral process.

As of the 2023 elections, over six million PVCs were uncollected, including many issued as far back as 2015. Stakeholders in the post-election review suggested that INEC address this backlog by implementing a policy to withdraw PVCs left uncollected for extended periods, starting with those issued in 2015.

“Following the publication of the Register of Voters, the commission made available the PVCs for collection by voters on December 12, 2022. The exercise was initially planned to end on January 22, 2023. However, a large number of registered voters had yet to collect their PVCs, forcing the commission to extend the deadline to February 5, 2023,” INEC stated.

Despite additional measures, including devolving collection to ward levels and collaborating with civil society organizations (CSOs) to assist voters, millions of PVCs remain uncollected. INEC noted, “Over six million PVCs remain uncollected, many dating back to 2015.

Consequently, one recommendation from the review was that the commission should consider withdrawing PVCs issued in 2015 since it is not clear if the owners will ever collect them.

INEC also proposed phasing out PVCs and introducing alternative methods, such as computer-generated slips or credentials downloaded online. With the adoption of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), PVCs may no longer be necessary for voter accreditation.

“The utility of the PVC is now limited to voter identification,” INEC explained. “It is possible to identify voters using their registration slips, which obviates the need for PVCs and reduces costs. However, this step requires an amendment to Section 47(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandates the presentation of the PVC for accreditation and voting.”

Kehinde Edun, National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, supported the initiative, stating, “Destroying uncollected PVCs may be in order if people have not claimed them over a long period. This declutters the voters’ register and addresses irregularities in the registration process.”

In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed concerns, viewing the proposal as a potential distraction. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, remarked, “Destroying cards produced with billions of taxpayers’ money is unacceptable. INEC must regain public trust instead of resorting to such measures.”

Similarly, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) advised caution. Ladipo Johnson, NNPP National Publicity Secretary, argued, “Destroying six million PVCs is a waste of resources. If owners show up later, re-registration would incur additional costs.”Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have also weighed in on the issue.

Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), former Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, supported the destruction of uncollected PVCs, stating, “They are likely products of double registration or fraudulent entries. Destroying them declutters the system and prevents misuse.”

Another SAN, Sam Erugo, echoed this view, noting, “Uncollected PVCs are already useless. Destroying them could help prevent electoral fraud.”

However, Paul Obi (SAN) opposed the move, calling for greater awareness instead. “What is the basis for destroying six million PVCs?” he queried. “Even if uncollected, they belong to Nigerians and should be preserved for future elections.”