2027 elections: CDD-West Africa decries 5m uncollected PVCs
By Angela Atabo/Perpetua Onuegbu
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa) has expressed concern over five million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Nigeria.
Director, CDD-West Africa, Dr Dauda Garuba, said this while unveiling the new Chair of the CDD Election Analysis Centre (EAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Garuba, as Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, CDD-West Africa continues to reflect on the state of Nigeria’s democracy through the lens of recent developments.
“Nationwide, the issue of over five million uncollected PVCs is a silent ‘crisis.’
“If unresolved, millions of citizens risk exclusion from the 2027 elections, a development that could erode both participation and legitimacy,” he said.
Garuba suggested that to safeguard the credibility of the Anambra off-cycle governorship election, future by-elections, and the 2027 general polls, urgent actions were required.
He said that CDD called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve its technological infrastructure, logistics, and voter outreach strategies.
“PVC Collection must be given a coordinated national campaign, decentralised collection points, deliberate grassroots outreach, and targeted voter education.”
He added that security agencies should deploy personnel with neutrality and professionalism, resisting pressure from incumbents.
The director also urged political actors to commit to issue-based campaigns and reject vote buying and weaponised violence.
He said Civil society Organisations (CSOs) should also sustain monitoring efforts, amplify citizen voices, and demand accountability.
Garuba urged citizens should resist inducement and reclaim the power of their votes.
“The stakes ahead of 2027 are not just about whether democracy will survive; they are about the kind of democracy Nigerians will inherit,” he said
Speaking on the unveiling of the new Chair of CDD-West Africa’s Election Analysis Centre(CDD-West Africa EAC), Garuba said Prof. Victor Adetula succeeded an 82-year Professor, Adele Jinadu who diligently chaired the EAC for about 14 years.
He said that Adetula would bring on-board a wealth of experience in democracy, governance, peace and conflict and international relations and assured him of CDD’s support.
Responding, Adetula, the new Chair of CDD-West Africa’s EAC, extended gratitude to the leadership of CDD West Africa for entrusting him with the responsibility.
“I humbly accept the role, fully aware of the weight the responsibility entails.
“Over the years, CDD’s EAC has distinguished itself as an impartial and insightful institution, supporting stakeholders, policy makers and citizens as they navigate the intricacies of our electoral system.
“As we look towards 2027, our priorities must expand beyond the conventional aspect of electoral monitoring.
“We are committed to deepening our focus on transparent evidence-based electoral analysis, while also addressing the economic and political factors that threaten the integrity of our electoral processes.”
Adetula said that the commitment included nurturing the next generation of electoral analysts, equipping them with the necessary tools and framework to proactively address challenges and propose effective solutions.
He added that above all, the EAC would remain vigilant, monitoring electoral trends to better understand the present and help shape a credible future for all Nigerians.(NAN)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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