Nigeria faces voter card collection challenges ahead of 2027 elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported low turnout for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection across several Nigerian states ahead of the 2027 general elections. While the National Register of Voters has grown to over 103 million, applicants in regions such as Abuja, Kaduna, and Imo have reported difficulties including missing cards, delays, and inadequate information regarding collection points.

In Katsina State, political concerns have risen following reports that individuals are allegedly collecting PVCs from vulnerable residents, including rural women, under the pretense of financial empowerment programs. The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has urged citizens to resist such inducements, emphasizing that the PVC is essential for exercising democratic rights.

Electoral experts noted that while physical card hoarding is a concern, the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) requires fingerprint and facial recognition, which may mitigate the impact of stolen cards during the voting process. Civil society groups are calling for increased voter education to prevent the illegal buying and selling of cards.