FG Move to Make PVC Optional as National Assembly Reviews Nigeria’s Electoral Act
Members of the National Assembly are weighing a significant amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act that could make the use of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) optional in future elections.
PulseNets learnt that the lawmakers are currently reviewing a proposal to alter key provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, allowing voters to use alternative means of identification at polling units.
According to documents obtained by PulseNets, the proposed amendment targets Sections 18 and 47 of the Act. Lawmakers argued that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not rely on the microchip embedded in the PVC, thereby rendering the physical card unnecessary for voter accreditation.
“PVC Will Not Be Compulsory”
Under the proposed changes, eligible Nigerians would be allowed to use their National Identification Number (NIN), birth certificate, or international passport to confirm their identity during elections.
The matter was discussed at a public hearing of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters held on Monday in Abuja, where stakeholders debated the implications of the reform.
In part, the proposal reads:
“The use of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) will not be compulsory since the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) does not recognise the microchip in the PVC. Every registered voter will have the option to download and print their voter’s card when needed. This eliminates the menace of buying and selling PVCs and other related electoral offences.”
PulseNets learnt that the amendment also seeks to delete Section 22 of the existing Electoral Act and replace it with provisions aimed at simplifying voter registration and verification.
Concerns Over BVAS and Past Elections
Since its deployment, BVAS has remained both praised and criticised. While many commended it for enhancing voter accreditation, others raised concerns over its technical flaws and operational inefficiencies during major elections.
Several Nigerians told PulseNets that during the 2023 general elections, they experienced repeated BVAS malfunctions, poor battery life, and sluggish result uploads. Many also lamented the difficulty of collecting their PVCs due to long queues, administrative lapses, and missing cards.
Electoral observers and civil society organisations have since pushed for flexibility in identification, noting that accepting alternative IDs could reduce voter disenfranchisement and curb PVC-related fraud.
Push for Electronic Transmission of Results
In a related development, the National Assembly is proposing that the electronic transmission of election results be made compulsory.
A new amendment to Section 60(5) of the Act reportedly states:
“The Presiding Officer shall transmit the results, including the total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation both electronically and manually.”
Advocates of the reform told PulseNets that the measure will strengthen transparency, curb manipulation, and enhance public trust in the electoral process.
Civil society groups, including Yiaga Africa, have consistently campaigned for full electronic voting and transmission of results.
“Reinforcing the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission mandatory — including uploading results from polling units — will improve the integrity of elections and ensure that every vote truly counts,” said Akin Akingbolu of Yiaga Africa while speaking to PulseNets.
Stiffer Penalties for Election Officials
Another notable amendment introduces harsher penalties for election officers found guilty of electoral misconduct.
Section 71(2) now recommends a minimum one-year jail term or a ₦1 million fine for any presiding or collation officer who issues unstamped or unsigned ballot papers and result sheets.
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Lawmakers told PulseNets that the provision is designed to enforce accountability and deter malpractice during collation.
“This will discourage electoral officers from compromising the integrity of result management and restore public confidence in the process,” one legislator said.
