The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has expressed concern over the more than five million uncollected permanent voter cards (PVCs) in Nigeria.
The Director of CDD-West Africa, Dauda Garuba, made the comment on Tuesday during the unveiling of the new chair of the organisation’s election analysis centre (EAC).
Garuba said the development poses a “silent crisis” that could affect the 2027 general election.
His words: “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 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 said.
Garuba also urged security agencies to demonstrate neutrality, while political actors should commit to issue-based campaigns and reject vote buying and violence.
He said civil society organisations must sustain monitoring efforts and amplify citizen voices, while urging Nigerians to “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,” Garuba said.
On the unveiling of the new chair of the EAC, Garuba announced Victor Adetula as successor to Adele Jinadu, 82, who led the centre for about 14 years.
He said Adetula brings experience in democracy, governance, peace and conflict, and international relations, assuring him of CDD’s support.
Responding, Adetula expressed gratitude for the appointment, noting that the role carries “great responsibility”.
He added that the EAC would focus on nurturing the next generation of electoral analysts and remain vigilant in monitoring trends to shape a credible future for Nigerians.
