We complain and ask, “What’s the point?” We talk about how bad our country is, how difficult things have become, and how badly we need change. We feel the pain and hardship, we discuss it with our friends and family, and we express our frustration on social media. But when it is time to take action, some of us retreat and say things like, “They already know who they would put there.” If we are all waiting for someone else to make the change, then who exactly are we expecting to do it?
One person cannot change Nigeria alone. Neither can a handful of people. But change becomes possible when individuals decide to play their part, and one of the simplest ways to do that is by voting.
A single vote may seem insignificant, especially when millions of people are expected to vote, but what happens when thousands or millions of people think the same way and decide not to vote? Their absence from the electoral process can be just as significant as their presence. If we want better leaders and a better Nigeria, we cannot continue to complain about the system while refusing to participate in choosing the people who run it.
This is where the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) comes in. A PVC is the card issued to eligible Nigerian voters that enables them to participate in elections. It serves as a means of identification for voting and allows registered voters to exercise their right to choose their preferred candidates during elections.
So, if you are eligible to vote and you have not yet gotten your PVC, where do you start? Let’s look at the steps to getting your PVC and taking one small but important step towards a better Nigeria.
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Before registering, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must be a Nigerian citizen and at least 18 years old. You should also be ordinarily resident in, or originate from, the area where you intend to register.
2. Begin Your Registration
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) provides an online registration platform where eligible Nigerians can begin the registration process. You will be required to provide personal information and complete the necessary forms.
3. Visit an INEC Registration Centre
Online registration is only the beginning. You will need to visit an INEC-designated registration centre for the physical part of the process, including biometric information such as your fingerprints and photograph.
4. Complete the Verification and Collection Process
After registration, your information is processed by INEC. Once your PVC is ready, you can check the collection information provided by INEC and proceed to the designated collection centre when instructed.
5. Keep Your PVC Safe
Once you receive your PVC, keep it somewhere secure. It is an important document that allows you to participate in elections. If your card is lost, damaged or your personal information needs to be corrected, contact INEC for the appropriate procedure rather than attempting to make changes yourself.
Getting a PVC may seem like a small administrative task, but it gives eligible Nigerians the opportunity to have a voice in the democratic process. For young Nigerians voting for the first time, taking the step to register is not simply about obtaining a card, it is about participating in decisions that can affect their future.
