Nigeria Election Commission (INEC) has unveiled plans for sweeping reforms to improve Nigeria’s electoral process. These proposals, based on lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls, include introducing diaspora voting and phasing out the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) during elections.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the proposed changes on Thursday in Abuja during a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs). He stated that the commission would soon present the recommendations to relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees for consideration.
Among the highlights is the recommendation for legal clarity on result management, addressing the roles of manual and electronic result transmission. Yakubu also proposed the adoption of computer-generated slips or downloadable credentials for voter accreditation, which could replace PVCs. This move, he noted, would cut costs and curb the practice of buying voter cards to disenfranchise citizens.
Other reforms include early and diaspora voting to accommodate Nigerians living abroad and those unable to vote at their registered polling units, such as INEC staff and security personnel. Additionally, the commission is advocating for the unbundling of its responsibilities, proposing the establishment of an electoral offences tribunal and a separate agency to handle political party registration and regulation.
Yakubu emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders, including security agencies, civil society organizations, and transport unions, to enhance voter education, improve logistics, and ensure cleaner voter registers. He urged the RECs to engage deeply with the recommendations, documented in a 524-page report, and contribute to building a more efficient and inclusive electoral system.