Both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties have shown support for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposal to phase out Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and introduce diaspora voting.
While the APC has expressed full backing for the reforms, opposition parties are calling for genuine implementation and transparency from INEC.
Last Thursday, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu outlined how these proposed reforms, which stem from lessons learned during the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle elections, are intended to enhance the country’s electoral process.
He revealed that the commission would soon present the proposals to relevant committees in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
In an interview on Sunday, APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, emphasized that the ruling party has no objection to the reforms, as it has long been a proponent of electoral reforms in the country.
Ibrahim remarked, “If INEC, after consulting and observing global best practices, believes changes are necessary to improve the credibility of the electoral process, we fully support it. The APC has initiated similar reforms in the past, including those currently being discussed.”
Addressing concerns that some Nigerians may view the proposals with skepticism, Ibrahim acknowledged the country’s complex nature but stressed that the majority’s acceptance should be the focus.
“Some people will always question changes, no matter how positive they are, but that shouldn’t stop us from moving forward,” he stated.
“What matters is that the majority feels the changes will improve the process.”
Kehinde Edun, the National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, expressed his support for the introduction of diaspora voting, which he believes would engage Nigerians living abroad in the electoral process.
However, Edun raised concerns over the possibility of misuse.
“While diaspora voting is a positive step, we must be cautious of potential abuse,” he said.
“A lot of young Nigerians are leaving the country due to dissatisfaction with the current situation, and they should have a chance to participate in elections. But we need to ensure the system is foolproof.”
Edun also discussed the phase-out of PVCs, stressing that the success of this reform hinges on the technology INEC chooses to implement.
“Even with PVCs, we’ve seen issues with party agents stockpiling cards, so the technology must be reliable and secure. If INEC can restore public confidence, voter turnout will improve,” he added.
Timothy Osadolor, Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), also supported the electoral innovations but called for proper implementation.
He emphasized that INEC must ensure that the reforms are not manipulated by corrupt officials.
“Innovation is good, but it’s the people managing the technology who matter most,” he said.
“There are concerns about manipulation, as seen in Edo, where INEC edited its IREV results to match vote allocations.”
Osadolor further urged INEC to purge itself of corrupt individuals to ensure the credibility of the process.
“INEC must ensure its staff are trained and competent to uphold the integrity of the elections,” he said.
“Otherwise, the reforms will not have the desired effect.”
