National Assembly moves to make using PVC in election optional
As part of amendment of the Electoral Act, lawmakers are proposing to make the use of Permanent Voter Card optional during elections.
The Senate and House Committees on Electoral Matters, during a joint hearing on Monday, unveiled the the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, containing the proposal to make the use of PVC for voting optional.
“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,” the proposal seeking to ammend Sections 18 and 47 of the 2022 Electoral Act stated. “Every registered voter will be able to download and print their voter’s card whenever needed. This totally eradicates the issue of buying and selling PVCs, likewise all related offences. This is reflected in section 18, section 47 and the deletion of section 22.”
The proposed amendment also suggest that eligible voters will be able to cast their votes using other alternative means of identification including, national passport, National Identification Number and birth certificate.
“Acceptable means of identification for voter registration have been limited to the National Identification Number (NIN), a Nigerian birth certificate, or Nigerian passport,” the proposal noted.
The proposed amendment also seeks to mandate conclusion of all election litigation before the May 29, 2027, handover date.
“The above provisions are to ensure that all litigations are concluded before swearing in,” the proposed amendment stated.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Benue: Troops kill suspected terrorist in gunfight
“One terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene,” Mr Zubairu said.
Sport
Egypt edge Australia on penalties to make historic World Cup round of 16 berth
Egypt will face the winners of the round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde later today.
Health
Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak now largest on record as cases top 1,400: WHO
Mr Janabi described the outbreak as one of Africa’s most serious public health emergencies this year.
Health
Bauchi govt begins rural-based campaign against waterborne diseases
Mr Mohammed said health education officers in the state’s 20 local government areas had been directed to carry out the exercise.
Hot news Home top
INEC extends voter registration, launches self-service portal
INEC said the extension followed feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
States
Wheelbarrow pusher killed in Rivers road crash
The spokesperson for the state police, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the driver had been arrested.
