Politicians stockpiling PVCs are living in the past — INEC

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The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured Nigerians that it will conduct free, fair and credible elections in 2027, insisting that every valid vote will count.

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The commission also said it would ensure that the outcome of the 2027 general elections reflects the wishes of the people.

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The Head of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC, Kwara State, Dr Adejumo Peter, stated this on Thursday in Ilorin during a seminar organised by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.

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Peter dismissed the notion that politicians could influence election outcomes by stockpiling Permanent Voter Cards, saying such tactics had become ineffective.

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“INEC has introduced measures that make it impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote. That is why politicians have shifted their focus to vote-buying.

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“Many politicians are still living in the past. Stockpiling and carting away PVCs can no longer guarantee electoral victory,” he said.

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He assured residents of Kwara State that the commission would strictly adhere to the Electoral Act and its guidelines.

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“INEC in Kwara will follow the rules and procedures laid down by the commission. We will ensure that the elections are conducted on the basis of one person, one vote. At the end of the exercise, the outcome will reflect the will of the people,” he said.

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Peter urged politicians to conduct issue-based campaigns and avoid violence before, during and after the elections.

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“I urge politicians to play by the rules. They should campaign on their manifestos and shun violence before, during and after the elections.

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“Let us conduct the elections peacefully like a sporting contest. They should accept the outcome of the elections,” he added.

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Speaking on the theme, ‘Dissecting the Amended Electoral Act 2026: Innovations and Implications for Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections,’ the Head of INEC’s Legal Unit in Kwara State, Abdulfatai Atata, described the amended Electoral Act as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s electoral development.

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According to him, the law introduces key reforms aimed at improving transparency, strengthening internal party democracy and expanding the use of technology in the electoral process.

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“As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the Act will serve as both a test and a tool for deepening the country’s democratic governance.

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“It introduces commendable reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, strengthening internal party democracy and leveraging technology. At the same time, it raises critical legal and practical questions, particularly in relation to constitutional consistency, the enforceability of campaign finance limits, the ouster of judicial jurisdiction in party affairs, and the narrowing of grounds for election petitions.

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“Ultimately, the success of these innovations will depend not only on their legislative design but also on effective implementation, institutional capacity and judicial interpretation,” Atata said.

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