Tag: PVC

  • INEC to Introduce Downloadable PVCs for Lost, Damaged Cards Ahead of 2027 Elections

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced plans to introduce downloadable Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for registered voters whose physical cards have been lost, damaged or defaced ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The initiative is part of the commission’s wider efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system and improve access to voter services.

    Who qualifies for the digital PVC?

    INEC said the downloadable PVC will only be available to registered voters who had previously collected their physical voter cards before they were lost or damaged.

    The commission explained that the digital option will not apply to new registrants or individuals who have never collected their original PVCs.

    Eligible voters will still be required to complete the official replacement process at INEC offices and meet the stipulated deadline of at least 90 days before an election.

    Digital card recognised for accreditation

    According to INEC, the Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections 2026 recognise both a valid physical PVC and a downloadable copy for voter accreditation, alongside the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

    The commission said the initiative is expected to reduce the cost and logistical burden of reprinting replacement voter cards while making the process more convenient for affected voters.

    The Electoral Act 2026 also contains provisions allowing eligible voters to print downloadable replacement copies of their PVCs after completing the necessary procedures.

    Mixed reactions trail announcement

    The proposed digital PVC has generated mixed reactions among Nigerians.

    While many welcomed the move as a step towards improving electoral services and reducing costs, others raised concerns about possible security risks, implementation challenges and the potential for abuse if adequate safeguards are not put in place.

    INEC also reiterated its plans to introduce full online voter registration as part of its ongoing electoral reforms and advised Nigerians to rely only on its official platforms for information regarding voter registration and PVC replacement.

    The commission said additional guidelines on accessing and downloading the digital PVC will be released in the coming weeks.

    For more information, eligible voters can visit INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org.

  • INEC Registration Centres Hit by Network Glitches as PVC Applicants Face Delays

    Many Nigerians seeking to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or complete voter registration processes were left stranded on Monday following network disruptions at several offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The situation reportedly affected registration activities in multiple locations, forcing applicants to wait for hours without being attended to.

    Applicants Lament Delays

    A viral video circulating on social media showed large crowds gathered outside an INEC office, with many applicants sitting on staircases and pavements while waiting for the registration system to come back online.

    Some of those affected said they had visited the registration centre on previous occasions but were unable to complete the process due to similar technical issues.

    Several applicants expressed frustration over the repeated delays, saying they had spent valuable time and resources travelling to the centres without success.

    Citizens Express Frustration

    In the video, some applicants questioned why registration activities could not proceed despite the growing demand for PVCs ahead of future elections.

    Others appealed to INEC to improve its infrastructure and address the recurring challenges affecting voter registration.

    The incident generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians criticising the disruption and calling for a more efficient registration process.

    Concerns Ahead of Future Elections

    The development has renewed concerns about the readiness of electoral infrastructure to support voter registration and other election-related activities.

    Some social media users alleged that the persistent network issues could discourage eligible voters from registering, while others called for urgent intervention to prevent further disruptions.

    As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement regarding the reported network failures.

    Calls for Improved Service Delivery

    The latest disruption has added to ongoing conversations about the need for improved digital infrastructure and service delivery within the electoral process.

    Despite the setbacks, many Nigerians have continued to express determination to obtain their PVCs and participate in future elections.

  • VeryDarkMan Alleges DSS Questioned Activist Livinus Nwosu Over His Name, Claims He Was Listed as PVC Sensitisation Sponsor

    Social media activist VeryDarkMan has alleged that fellow activist Livinus Nwosu was questioned about him during his reported detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

    In a video shared online, VDM claimed that after Nwosu was released from custody, the activist reached out to him with details of what allegedly transpired while he was being held.

    Alleged questioning over civic campaigns

    According to VeryDarkMan, Nwosu told him that security operatives asked questions about his whereabouts and attempted to find out when he would be returning to Nigeria.

    He further alleged that DSS officials asked Nwosu to write down the names of individuals linked to voter awareness and civic sensitisation campaigns, including his own name and that of popular influencer Tunde Ednut.

    Claims from messages after release

    VDM said the information came from messages he reportedly received from Nwosu after his release from detention, adding that the claims raised concerns about the targeting of civic activists involved in voter education.

    Return to Nigeria and reaction

    The activist also shared details of his planned return to Nigeria, stating that he is not afraid of arrest if authorities choose to invite or question him.

    He maintained that civic sensitisation efforts should not be discouraged, insisting that voter awareness remains essential ahead of future elections.

    Public reaction and wider concerns

    The allegation has sparked fresh debate online, with supporters expressing concern over the treatment of activists involved in voter education, while others have called for caution until official clarification is provided by security agencies.

    As of the time of this report, the DSS has not issued any public response to the allegations.

     

  • VeryDarkMan Raises Alarm Over Alleged Disappearance of Activist in Bayelsa

    Social media activist Martins Otse has raised concerns over the reported disappearance of activist Livinus Nwosu, alleging that he was taken away by armed men in Bayelsa State.

    According to claims circulating online, Nwosu was allegedly seized by masked men dressed in black while participating in voter sensitisation activities aimed at encouraging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

    Wife Reportedly Raises Alarm

    VeryDarkMan said Nwosu’s wife contacted him and members of the Ratel Movement after being unable to reach her husband.

    He alleged that the activist was involved in campaigns encouraging voter registration and educating residents about the importance of civic participation ahead of future elections.

    The social media personality claimed the incident may have been intended to discourage political awareness among young Nigerians, although no official evidence has been presented to support the allegation.

    Claims of Political Intimidation

    Reacting to the development, VeryDarkMan alleged that the reported incident was connected to ongoing voter mobilisation efforts.

    He argued that increasing awareness around PVC registration and voter participation was attracting attention from political actors who may be uncomfortable with growing youth engagement in the electoral process.

    The activist also criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing to address key national challenges.

    Call for Investigation

    VeryDarkMan said efforts would be made to seek clarification from security authorities in Bayelsa State and provide legal support if necessary.

    He maintained that voter sensitisation campaigns would continue despite the reported incident.

    As of the time of filing this report, no security agency has officially confirmed Nwosu’s alleged arrest, detention or whereabouts.

    Authorities Yet to Respond

    There has also been no official statement from the Bayelsa State Police Command or other relevant authorities regarding the claims.

    The circumstances surrounding the activist’s reported disappearance remain unclear, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

  • VeryDarkMan Pushes PVC Registration, Calls for Greater Voter Participation

    Social media critic Martins Vincent Otse has called on Nigerians to take future elections more seriously, urging citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the democratic process.

    Speaking in a video shared online, the activist argued that elected officials should be removed through the ballot box if they fail to meet public expectations.

    Call for Greater Voter Participation

    VeryDarkMan said voting remains one of the strongest tools available to citizens seeking change and accountability in governance.

    According to him, politicians would become more responsible if they understood that voters were prepared to replace them when they failed to deliver.

    “If we can vote President Tinubu out of power, Nigeria will improve by at least 70%. It would send a message that whoever we elect can be removed if they fail to perform,” he said.

    Criticism of Low Voter Registration

    The activist also expressed concern over what he described as low voter participation among Nigerians, particularly those who frequently discuss political issues on social media.

    He urged citizens to begin encouraging others to register and obtain their PVCs ahead of future elections.

    “That alone will make anyone seeking power understand that they must deliver and do the right thing. Everybody should start preaching to everyone to get their voter card, the time is now. Eighty percent of people that talk on social media don’t even have PVC,” he added.

    Debate Over Governance and Accountability

    His comments come amid ongoing national conversations about insecurity, economic challenges and public accountability.

    While some Nigerians have supported his call for increased voter participation, others have debated his assessment of the current administration and the role elections play in addressing governance concerns.

    VeryDarkMan has consistently encouraged greater civic engagement, maintaining that meaningful political change can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in the electoral process.