The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasized that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) can only be issued at its designated offices after biometric verification, regardless of online pre-registration through the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) portal.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, INEC’s Director of ICT, Bayode Lawrence, explained that online registration alone does not complete the voter registration process. He noted that biometric data, particularly fingerprints, must still be captured physically at INEC centres.
“For now, you can’t finish the entire process at home because we still need to capture your biometrics. If biometric capture were possible online, there would be no need to visit our centres. But fingerprints must be collected in person,” Lawrence said.
He added that while applicants may submit certain details online, appearing at registration centres remains compulsory to ensure authenticity, prevent multiple registrations, and safeguard the integrity of the voters’ register.
Lawrence also disclosed that INEC is working with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to incorporate national identity data into future registration processes, which could make the exercise more seamless.
He assured that those without internet access can register directly at INEC local government offices, while an option on the commission’s portal allows voters with damaged cards to apply for replacements.
According to him, these measures are part of INEC’s broader commitment to a credible, transparent, and secure voter registration system ahead of future elections.
