In an update published by Vanguard, the Nigerian Senate has turned down a proposal to impose a 10-year prison sentence on individuals involved in the buying and selling of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). During the debate on the Electoral Amendment Bill, lawmakers opted to retain the existing two-year imprisonment term. However, the Senate agreed to significantly increase the financial penalty, raising the fine from ₦2 million to ₦5 million under Clause 22 of the bill.
The decision was reached following heated deliberations on the proportionality of the punishment. Proponents of the 10-year term argued that stiff penalties are necessary to deter electoral fraud ahead of the 2027 general elections. Conversely, the majority of senators felt that the increased fine, combined with the current jail term, provides a sufficient deterrent without overburdening the judicial system.
Premium Times and ThisDay have reported on the legislative session. Premium Times noted that “the rejection of the longer jail term has sparked debate among electoral reform activists.” ThisDay cited a senator who remarked, “we must focus on the enforceability of these laws rather than just the severity of the sentences.”
Echotitbits take:
While the increase in fines is a step toward making electoral malpractice “expensive,” the rejection of a longer jail term might be seen by critics as a soft stance on vote-buying. With the 2027 elections approaching, the focus should now shift to how INEC and security agencies will actually catch and prosecute those participating in the PVC black market.
Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/02/senate-rejects-10-year-jail-term-for-pvc-traders-amends-electoral-timelines/, February 5, 2026
Photo credit: Vanguard
