The portal for registering your Permanent Voters Card (PVC) online closed on May 30th 2022, however voters can still register to get a PVC. The pre-registration exercise which ended in May was set up in a way that you only needed to visit the INEC office to capture your biometrics and return for your PVC. Like how you apply for a visa or passport by first filling your information online.
TechCity spoke to Folajimi Ogunnowo, an INEC rep who explained the entire process of how to get your PVC before the new deadline. First, he clarifies that the process of registering for a new PVC is still very much open, but is now physical and ends this June.
I DID NOT REGISTER BEFORE THE PORTAL CLOSED, HOW DO I REGISTER FOR MY PVC?
Because the online voter registration ended on May 30th 2022, all unregistered voters have to compulsorily visit either the INEC office or local government areas where registration is ongoing to fill out their forms, capture on the same day before making a final visit to pick up their PVC from a specified location. The only time you have to do this is between now and June 30th 2022.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M REGISTERED OR NOT?
Your information will be on the INEC database. Here’s how to check if your information is. Visit https://voters.inecnigeria.org/. Simply Select your:
- State
- Surname
- Date of Birth
If your details exist on the database, it will show results. If your details are not in the database, then you need to go and register.
Now, the continuous voter registration CVR is ongoing but will end on June 30th 2022. While many have complained that the timing is short, INEC insists that the deadline is to enable the Commission clean up the registration data, print the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and compile the register ahead of the 2023 General Elections.
HOW MUCH IS IT TO GET MY PVC?
It is absolutely free of charge. According to INEC rep Folajimi Ogunnowo, miscreants have created a fast track option that users often fall victim of. Ogunnowo insists that INEC staff do not request money from voters and are not involved in charging any fee.
WILL INEC DELIVER MY PVC?
Ogunnowo stated that INEC, at the moment is not entertaining proxy collection and INEC will not deliver the PVC to anybody. In his words, “even husbands cannot collect for their wife.” He adds, “INEC will snap you with the IVED (INEC voters enrolment device) as you’re collecting your card.”
HOW TO CHANGE ADDRESS ON MY PVC & MY POLLING UNIT
On Election Day, there is usually no movement and transporation. As such, it is important to register at a polling unit close to where you live. If you already have a PVC but you need to change your address to where you live now, you do not need to visit the INEC office. If you have relocated to a new city and want to transfer your Polling Unit. You can do it online and get it finalized. Here’s how:
- Visit cvr.inecnigeria.org
- Services
- Voter Transfer
- Create account with your gmail address
- Login with your gmail
- Open the link sent to you in your email
- Fill out the form provided and add your new home address
- Go through your application to be sure there are no mistakes
- Save as instructed.
- Use your phone to take a “passport” picture and upload 2 of them (First photo with serious face and the second with smiling face)
- Submit
- INEC will send you a message when the card is ready; on your phone and your email stating where to pick your card; at a location close to your new place of residence
OTHER SCENARIOS
You don’t need to visit the INEC office if you wish to update your records or change some other information. You can do it online.
If your card got lost or damaged and needs replacement, you can sort it all out online.
Any one registered who registered in 2010 when the PVC regime started should NOT take a new registration. Those who majorly need to visit the INEC office are NEW VOTERS who have not been captured at all.
