Registered voters can still vote without the PVC -INEC boss, Amupitan

National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has revealed that registered voters who lose, damage or misplace their Permanent Voter Card (PVC) can still vote in the upcoming elections in the country.

He said, based on the provisions of the 2026 Election Law, voters no longer automatically lose their right to carry out their duties as citizens.

According to him, the new electoral law introduces a simplified process that allows eligible voters who have previously registered with the commission to obtain certified alternate voter credentials in accordance with procedures approved by INEC.

The INEC chairman disclosed this during negotiations with media executives in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the June 20 gubernatorial election in Ekiti State.

According to him, this reform is one of the major innovations contained in the 2026 Election Law which aims to expand voter participation and ensure that genuine voters are not denied their constitutional right to vote because the PVC is lost or damaged.

Amupitan explained that the reforms reflect the increasing role of technology in the administration of elections and demonstrate efforts by lawmakers and election stakeholders to make the voting process more accessible to Nigerians.

He noted that the Election Law of 2026 is one of the most comprehensive electoral reform laws in the country’s democratic history, introducing several measures designed to modernize election management, increase voter participation and strengthen public confidence in the electoral system.

In his words, “One of the important provisions in the Election Act of 2026 is that registered voters whose PVCs are lost, damaged, or misplaced can now obtain replacement credentials through a simplified process.

“Eligible voters who have previously registered can submit and download certified replacement voter documents in accordance with the procedures established by the KPU.

“This is intended to ensure that genuine voters do not lose their rights simply because they no longer have their original PVC.”

The INEC Chairman urged eligible voters to familiarize themselves with the new provisions of the 2026 Election Law and take advantage of the opportunities created by the reforms to actively participate in the democratic process.

He expressed confidence that the innovations introduced by the law will help reduce voter disenfranchisement, increase the inclusivity of elections, and further strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.