2027: INEC Flags Electoral Violence, Tech Failures, Low PVC Collection Risks In Kaduna

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified electoral violence, conflict, voting disruptions, logistics challenges, technology failures and low collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as concerns that could undermine the successful conduct of the 2027 general elections in Kaduna State.

The commission disclosed that only 61,494 PVCs had been collected as of October 28, 2026, comprising 12,741 old PVCs and 48,753 newly printed cards, underscoring the need to sustain voter mobilisation ahead of the elections.

The figures showed that 5,959 of the old PVCs collected belonged to male voters, while 6,782 were collected by female voters. For the new PVCs, 22,946 were collected by males and 25,807 by females.

The commission had began distribution of 92,422 cards received from its headquarters in Abuja earlier in October while over 100,000 remain uncollected across the state.

The Administrative Secretary of INEC and acting Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kaduna State, Abba Yahaya, disclosed the commission’s concerns on Thursday at the Electoral Risk Management Sensitisation Workshop for the 2027 General Election, held at the commission’s state office in Kaduna.

Yahaya said other potential threats included late delivery of election materials, the absence of ad hoc personnel and failures of electoral technology, stressing that the commission was determined to identify and mitigate foreseeable risks before election day.

He said the commission could not afford to wait until the elections to respond to threats that could be identified and addressed in advance.

“The elections are not far away. The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January 2027, and the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections for 6 February 2027.

“That leaves us very little time. Whatever we can see coming, we must plan for now, and not on the eve of the elections,” he told participants, including representatives of security agencies.

The acting REC explained that the workshop was designed to familiarise stakeholders with INEC’s Electoral Risk Management Framework, identify internal and external threats to the elections in Kaduna State and develop practical measures to prevent or minimise disruptions.

He urged Electoral Officers to provide detailed assessments of risks in their respective local government areas, particularly locations with a history of electoral violence, conflicts and other factors capable of threatening peaceful elections.

“The Commission expects you to bring the risk details of your LGAs to this workshop.

“Please speak frankly and share what you know, including the places, the history and the people involved.

“Your information is the foundation of everything we will do today,” Yahaya said.

He also called for stronger collaboration among INEC, security agencies, the National Orientation Agency and the media, noting that the successful conduct of credible elections depended on the collective commitment of all stakeholders.

“The Commission cannot manage electoral risk alone. Peaceful and credible elections are a shared responsibility,” he added.

The PVC collection figures also highlight the importance of sustained voter education and mobilisation as the state prepares for the 2027 polls, particularly to ensure that registered voters collect their cards and are ready to exercise their franchise.