The Action Peoples Party (APP) has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its early production and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement by its National Chairman, Barr. Uche Nnadi, the party described the move as strong evidence of INEC's readiness for the polls. This development follows INEC's announcement that PVC distribution would begin in Oyo State's 33 Local Government Area offices on October 9, 2026.
The PVC distribution exercise, which runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, excluding weekends and public holidays, targets newly registered voters, voters who transferred their polling units, and those whose PVCs were lost or damaged during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Prof. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, the exercise aims to ensure eligible citizens can participate in the electoral process.
Nnadi stressed that credible elections require more than just announcing dates and conducting voter registration, emphasizing that timely production and distribution of PVCs are critical. He noted that INEC's efforts demonstrate a commitment to moving beyond policy declarations to concrete administrative preparations for the 2027 polls. The APP chairman encouraged eligible voters in Oyo State to collect their newly printed PVCs without delay.
The collection of PVCs must be done personally, not through proxies, while security agencies have been deployed to ensure an orderly, transparent, and peaceful exercise. Nnadi urged political parties, civil society organizations, community leaders, and other stakeholders to intensify voter mobilization and encourage citizens to complete their registration and PVC collection processes. He also called on Nigerians with uncollected PVCs from previous electoral exercises to use this opportunity to obtain their cards.
A significant number of old PVCs remain uncollected in Oyo State, according to Nnadi. He said the APP would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening voter participation, transparency, and public confidence in the electoral process. The party also urged INEC to sustain consultations with political parties and other stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Nnadi warned eligible voters against waiting until the final stages of the electoral process to collect their PVCs, stressing that early collection would reduce pressure and ensure voters are adequately prepared to exercise their franchise. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, has been commended for commencing the distribution process ahead of the elections. The APP chairman encouraged the Commission to sustain the momentum across the country.
The early production and distribution of PVCs demonstrate INEC's commitment to preparing for the 2027 elections. With the PVC distribution exercise underway in Oyo State, eligible voters are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their cards. The APP's commendation of INEC's efforts highlights the importance of collaboration between political parties and electoral bodies in ensuring credible and transparent elections.
Key points
- The Action Peoples Party (APP) has commended INEC for its early production and distribution of PVCs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
- The PVC distribution exercise targets newly registered voters, voters who transferred their polling units, and those whose PVCs were lost or damaged during the last CVR exercise.
- Eligible voters are urged to collect their PVCs personally and not through proxies to ensure a peaceful and transparent exercise.
