INEC has announced that registered voters who lose or damage their Permanent Voter Cards can still participate in elections under the Electoral Act 2026 through a new replacement credential process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that Nigerians who lose, damage, or misplace their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will no longer be automatically prevented from voting under the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed the development during an engagement with media executives in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.
According to him, the Electoral Act 2026 introduces a simplified system that allows registered voters to obtain certified replacement voter credentials, ensuring that eligible citizens are not denied the opportunity to participate in elections because their original PVCs are unavailable.
New relief for voters with lost PVCs
The announcement is expected to bring relief to millions of registered voters who have previously expressed concerns about losing access to the electoral process after misplacing or damaging their Permanent Voter Cards.
Under the new framework, individuals who have already completed voter registration with INEC can apply for replacement voter credentials through procedures approved by the commission.
The replacement documents will serve as valid credentials for voting once verification requirements have been met.
Prof. Amupitan explained that the reform was introduced to protect the voting rights of Nigerians and reduce cases of voter disenfranchisement.
“One of the landmark provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 is that registered voters whose PVCs are lost, damaged or misplaced can now obtain replacement credentials through a simplified process,” he said.
He added that eligible voters who have previously registered with the commission would be able to apply for and download certified replacement voter documents in accordance with guidelines established by INEC.
Electoral act 2026 introduces major election reforms
The INEC chairman described the Electoral Act 2026 as one of the most significant electoral reform laws enacted since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance.
Beyond the issue of lost PVCs, the legislation contains several measures aimed at modernising election administration, improving transparency, increasing voter participation, and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Election stakeholders have long argued that administrative challenges linked to PVC collection and replacement discourage some eligible citizens from participating in elections.
The latest reform seeks to address those concerns by making voter verification and credential replacement more efficient.
According to Amupitan, the new provisions reflect the growing role of technology in election management and demonstrate efforts by lawmakers and electoral authorities to improve access to democratic participation.
Expected impact on future elections
Political observers believe the policy could increase voter turnout by removing one of the barriers that has affected participation in previous elections.
Many voters who lose their Permanent Voter Cards often struggle to secure replacements before election day, leading to frustration and, in some cases, exclusion from the voting process.
The new replacement credential system is expected to provide a practical solution while maintaining safeguards against abuse.
Analysts also note that the reform could help improve confidence in the electoral system by assuring registered voters that accidental loss or damage of a PVC will no longer automatically prevent them from exercising their constitutional rights.
INEC urges Nigerians to understand new rules
Prof. Amupitan encouraged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 and stay informed about the procedures required to obtain replacement voter credentials.
He said active participation by citizens remains essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring credible elections across the country.
With preparations for future elections already underway, the new PVC replacement policy is expected to become one of the most closely watched reforms introduced under the Electoral Act 2026, particularly as INEC continues efforts to expand voter access and promote inclusive participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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