INEC to Launch Downloadable PVCs and Full Online Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is ready to roll out downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). This is for voters who have lost or damaged their original cards.

INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, shared this news when he met with the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, during a visit to the commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

Mr Amupitan said this new technology is part of efforts to update Nigeria’s electoral processes before the 2027 general elections.

He explained that the downloadable PVC option will not be available to first-time registrants who have never picked up a physical card.

“Not every PVC will be downloadable. You must have received your PVC before, and it must be that the PVC is lost, damaged or if you cannot read your numbers there,” he said.

He also mentioned that voters needing a replacement must formally report the issue at least 90 days before an election. This will give the commission time to process the request.

Mr Amupitan added that they will test the downloadable PVC technology during the Osun governorship election in August.

He also revealed that INEC is working on a new technology that will allow citizens to register to vote completely online. This means they won't need to visit INEC offices for physical biometric capture.

“We have also been developing a system that will enable online voter registration without having to go to INEC local government offices or registration areas.

“Hopefully, in the next few days, we will begin testing it as soon as the commission gives the green light,” he stated.

Mr Amupitan said these improvements aim to reduce the feeling of disenfranchisement among citizens. He wants to make sure that everyone who wants to register can do so easily.