INEC to Launch Downloadable PVCs and Online Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and full online voter registration in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

This initiative was disclosed during a courtesy visit from Mallam Lanr Issa Onilu, Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), at INEC's headquarters in Abuja. Amupitan explained that the new technology is part of ongoing efforts to modernize Nigeria's electoral process.

The downloadable PVC option will not automatically apply to first-time registrants, who must still collect physical cards. Voters who have lost or damaged their PVCs will be able to lodge complaints to facilitate replacements.

INEC plans to pilot the downloadable PVC technology during the Osun governorship election in August. Additionally, the commission is finalizing technology that will allow eligible citizens to complete voter registration entirely online without needing to visit INEC offices for biometric capture.