Politicians stockpiling PVCs are living in the past — INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has pledged to conduct free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, assuring that every valid vote will be counted and the outcome will reflect the people's wishes. Dr. Adejumo Peter, Head of Voter Education and Publicity for INEC in Kwara State, made these assurances during a seminar in Ilorin organized by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

“

INEC has introduced measures that make it impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote. That is why politicians have shifted their focus to vote-buying.

Peter dismissed the idea that politicians could still influence election results by stockpiling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stating that such methods are ineffective and that politicians have shifted their focus to vote-buying. "Many politicians are still living in the past. Stockpiling and carting away PVCs can no longer guarantee electoral victory," he said. He assured residents that INEC in Kwara would strictly adhere to the Electoral Act and its guidelines, ensuring a "one person, one vote" principle.

“

Many politicians are still living in the past. Stockpiling and carting away PVCs can no longer guarantee electoral victory.

He urged politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns, shun violence before, during, and after the elections, and accept the outcomes as they would in a sporting contest. Abdulfatai Atata, Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, described the amended Electoral Act 2026 as a significant milestone, introducing reforms to enhance transparency, strengthen internal party democracy, and expand the use of technology. However, he noted that the Act also raises critical legal and practical questions.

“

INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures laid down by the commission. We will ensure that the elections are conducted on the basis of one person, one vote. At the end of the exercise, the outcome will reflect the will of the people.

Atata highlighted that the Act will serve as both a test and a tool for deepening Nigeria's democratic governance as the country approaches the 2027 general elections. The reforms aim to improve transparency and leverage technology, but challenges remain regarding constitutional consistency, enforceability of campaign finance limits, and judicial jurisdiction in party affairs.

“

I urge politicians to play by the rules. They should campaign on their manifestos and shun violence before, during and after the elections.