- Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) proposed a gradual discontinuation of Permanent Voter Cards, replacing them with computer-generated slips for easier voter accreditation
- Nigerians abroad to have the opportunity to vote in Nigerian elections as part of proposed reforms
- INEC planned changes, including strengthening the legal framework for election results and unbundling the commission for better oversight.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans for electoral reforms in 2025, including the gradual discontinuation of Permanent Voter Cards and the introduction of voting for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The commission noted that the proposed reforms stemmed from a meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, December 12, where Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu met with the Resident Electoral Commissioners.
INEC to present proposals to Senate and House committees
INEC indicated that the proposals will be presented to the relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives in the near future.
“Among the major highlights of the commission’s recommendations is the imperative of legal clarity in result management, with regard to manual transfer versus the electronic transmission of results.
“The commission also believes that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, the use of the Permanent Voters’ Cards as the sole means of identification for voter accreditation on election day should be reviewed. Those who already have the PVCs can still use them to vote, but going forward, computer-generated slips issued to the voter or even downloaded from the commission’s website will suffice for voter accreditation.
“This will not only save cost, it will also eliminate the issues around the collection of PVCs and the diabolical practice of buying up the cards from voters in order to disenfranchise them.
“There are also recommendations in support of diaspora voting, the unbundling of the commission with the establishment of electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle the registration and regulation of political parties.
“Similarly, the commission will step up action on voter access and distribution to polling units” Yakubu stated.
According to the INEC Chairman, the proposed reforms were part of a 524-page review report on the 2023 general elections.
He said, “With the conclusion of five major off-cycle governorship elections and nine out of 21 bye-elections since the 2023 general elections, this is the most appropriate time for us to commence the implementation of the recommendations arising from our review of the general elections.
“From the internal and external engagements, the commission has identified 142 recommendations dealing with the general state of preparedness, voter management, voter education and public communication, political parties and candidate management, electoral operations and logistics management, election officials and personnel, partnership and collaboration, monitoring and supervision, election technology, voting and result management, election security, electoral offences and the electoral legal framework,” the chairman explained.
Among these, 86 actions require the commission's administrative intervention, 48 involve working together with stakeholders, including security agencies and civil society organisations, and eight need legislative changes from the National Assembly.
INEC to advocate for greater participation of under-represented groups
Yakubu further said, “Out of the 142 recommendations, 86 require administrative action by the commission. It is therefore pertinent that we engage first with our Resident Electoral Commissioners because of your frontline role in the implementation of the recommendations.
“This is followed by 48 recommendations that require action by a variety of stakeholders, including security agencies, mobile network operators, statutory bodies, political parties, transport unions, civil society organisations and the media.
“On the legal review, there are eight recommendations that require legislative action by the National Assembly. Very soon, the commission will make a presentation to the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Electoral Matters as they continue to deliberate on electoral reform.”
He pointed out that the implementation of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System is for a more efficient process. He also proposed replacing Permanent Voter Cards with computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials for voter accreditation, which would help cut costs and eliminate voter card-buying schemes.
In his announcement, Yakubu also disclosed the introduction of early and diaspora voting, designed to help individuals who cannot vote at their designated polling units, including INEC staff, security officers, and Nigerians living overseas.
Other major reform initiatives involve updating the voters' register in partnership with the National Identity Management Commission and strengthening collaboration with transport unions to ensure the prompt delivery of election materials.
The commission also aimed to enhance voter education initiatives to counter misinformation and encourage greater involvement from marginalised communities.
“As a matter of urgency, the commission also intends to develop protocols for the cleaning up of the voters’ register in collaboration with other agencies such as the National Identity Management Commission and the National Population Commission. Other areas of reform include advocacy for affirmative action for greater participation of under-represented groups, a more robust voter education and public communication to combat fake news and misinformation,” Yakubu stated.
SERAP threatens INEC chairman with lawsuit if electoral offenders are not prosecuted
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) issued a warning to Chairman Mahmood Yakubu over non-compliance with a court ruling to prosecute offenders of electoral bribery during the 2023 elections.
The advocacy group cited ongoing electoral bribery and violence as detrimental to Nigeria’s democracy.