INEC to Launch Downloadable PVCs for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for eligible voters who have lost or damaged their original cards. This initiative is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections and aims to modernize Nigeria's electoral process.

Amupitan disclosed this development during a courtesy visit from Mallam Lanr Issa Onilu, the Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), at INEC's headquarters in Abuja. The downloadable PVC option will not be available for all registered voters, as it is specifically for those who previously collected physical PVCs that are now lost or damaged.

INEC plans to pilot this technology during the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August. The commission is also working on enabling complete online voter registration without the need for physical visits to registration centers.

This initiative aims to reduce barriers to voter registration and ensure eligible Nigerians can participate in elections.