INEC refutes claim of plans to destroy unclaimed PVCs

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed reports suggesting it plans to destroy over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the 2015 voter registration exercise.

In a statement issued via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, January 5, 2025, INEC described the report, attributed to an unnamed newspaper, as baseless and urged Nigerians to disregard it.

“Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) going back to the 2015 voter registration. The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs. The public is advised to discountenance the story,” the statement read.

Unclaimed PVCs remain a longstanding issue in Nigeria’s electoral process. Despite ongoing efforts by INEC to encourage registered voters to retrieve their cards, millions of PVCs remain uncollected across the country. The speculation about their potential destruction stems from concerns about how to handle these unclaimed cards, which INEC has now clarified as unfounded.

This prompt response highlights INEC’s commitment to transparency and combating misinformation. The Commission continues to emphasize the importance of voter participation and has introduced strategies to ensure that eligible voters collect their PVCs ahead of elections.

The clarification has sparked varied reactions among Nigerians on social media. While some praised INEC for swiftly addressing the false claims, others have called for stronger public awareness campaigns to improve PVC collection rates.

As Nigeria prepares for upcoming elections, the challenge of uncollected PVCs remains a pressing concern. INEC is expected to intensify its efforts to mobilize voters, ensuring greater participation in the country’s democratic process.