INEC Unveils Downloadable PVC Plan for 2027 Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) plans to introduce downloadable PVCs as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking in Abuja during a visit by National Orientation Agency (NOA) Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu, INEC Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan said the new system will allow eligible voters to replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). However, he explained that the option will only apply to people who previously collected a physical card.

“It is not every PVC that is downloadable. You must have gotten your PVC before, and it must be that the PVC is lost or defaced, or if you cannot read your numbers there,” he stated.

According to Amupitan, affected voters must report the loss or damage at least 90 days before an election before the commission can process a replacement. He added that downloadable PVCs will first be tested during the Osun State governorship election in August.

The INEC chairman also revealed that the commission is developing an online voter registration system that will enable eligible Nigerians to complete registration without visiting an INEC office for biometric capture.

“We have also been working on the technology that is going to make it possible for the registration of voters online without even having to visit INEC local government or registration areas.

“So, hopefully in the next few days, we will be testing it as soon as the commission approves it,” he said.

Beyond technology, INEC and the NOA agreed to strengthen cooperation to tackle voter apathy, misinformation, and vote-buying before the 2027 general election. Amupitan said technology alone cannot guarantee credible elections without active voter participation and effective civic education.

He proposed grassroots voter education campaigns, joint efforts to combat misinformation, and closer collaboration between both agencies to improve public confidence in the electoral process. Lanre Issa-Onilu welcomed the partnership and said the NOA would intensify campaigns against vote-buying, electoral violence, and voter apathy.

Do you think downloadable PVCs will make voting easier and improve participation in future elections?