By Sade Adewale

The Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposal to introduce computer-generated slips as an alternative means of voter identification has sparked controversies  across Nigeria’s political landscape

In a bold endorsement of the move, the Director of Media and Publicity for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Mr. Steve Otaloro, hailed the proposal as a “progressive and innovative” step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system.

Otaloro described the initiative as a significant leap forward, arguing that embracing technological advancements is critical in today’s rapidly evolving world.

“By allowing voters to use computer-generated slips, the electoral process can become more streamlined, efficient, and user-friendly,” he stated. Otaloro emphasized that the innovation could particularly benefit voters in rural and underserved areas who often face difficulties obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) due to logistic barriers and lack of awareness.

He maintained that while the reform could greatly reduce voter disenfranchisement, it must be implemented carefully to protect the integrity of elections. “Security features such as barcodes or QR codes must be embedded in the slips to prevent fraud. Public trust in the system is paramount,” Otaloro stressed.

However, he acknowledged that introducing the system ahead of the 2027 general elections would likely face legal and legislative hurdles, including necessary amendments to existing electoral laws and resistance from political players wary of the change. “Building consensus through open dialogue will be crucial,” he noted, urging political parties, civil society organizations, and INEC to collaborate on widespread voter education efforts to ensure a smooth transition.

Despite the optimism, not all voices are in agreement. Former Ondo State House of Assembly member, Hon. Ifedayo Akinsoyinu, expressed strong reservations, warning that the new system could be exploited to subvert the people’s will. He pointed out that even under the current PVC system, cases of electoral fraud persist, and he fears that relying on slips could exacerbate the problem.

“With PVCs, we still witness rigging. Introducing slips without stringent safeguards could open the floodgates for vote inflation in favor of certain candidates,” Akinsoyinu warned. He further expressed doubt about legislative resistance to the proposal, claiming that as long as the ruling party benefits, “the National Assembly will likely pass the bill with little opposition.”

Akinsoyinu also raised concerns about the capacity of INEC’s ad-hoc staff to resist corrupt practices, noting ongoing prosecutions of election officials. He emphasized that voter enlightenment efforts should only proceed after INEC convinces political stakeholders and civil society groups of the system’s robustness. “Without transparency and assurances of integrity, advocacy is premature,” he concluded.

Offering a more measured perspective, Engr. Adeolu Akinwumi, a political analyst, argued that the core challenges to Nigeria’s electoral integrity lie not in voter accreditation but in the processes of vote counting and results declaration. Akinwumi highlighted that the introduction of computer-generated slips could actually address several systemic issues, such as the high costs of PVC production and distribution, and the logistical headaches involved in transferring and collecting PVCs.

“The PVC is merely evidence of registration. Biometric verification—through fingerprint or facial recognition—is what truly authenticates a voter,” Akinwumi explained. Drawing a parallel with the banking sector’s shift to digital BVN verification, he asserted that physical voter cards or slips could eventually become secondary to secure biometric checks.

Nevertheless, Akinwumi called for clarity on operational details, such as whether slips would be reusable across elections or generated afresh for each cycle. He insisted that if the system fundamentally alters the accreditation process, amendments to the Electoral Act would be necessary.

“INEC must proactively embark on a nationwide sensitization campaign, hosting interactive sessions with stakeholders. Once public confidence is secured, legislative backing will naturally follow,” he advised.

Akinwumi concluded by stressing that successful advocacy depends on public understanding and trust. “INEC must clearly demonstrate how the new system improves the electoral process. Only then can civil society organizations and political parties effectively champion this cause,” he said.

As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the debate around INEC’s proposal continues to grow. While some see an opportunity to modernize and democratize the voting process, others warn of potential pitfalls that could undermine electoral integrity. One thing is clear: the path to reform will require transparency, collaboration, and a steadfast commitment to protecting the will of the people.