The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be done on personal recognition, not by proxy. This was disclosed by Professor Adeniran Tella, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State. According to him, the collection will commence on October 9, 2026, in all 33 INEC local government area offices in the state. This move aims to ensure the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The REC emphasized that the collection of PVCs will be strictly personal, and no one will be allowed to collect on behalf of another person. He urged members of the public and stakeholders in the electoral system to cooperate with the commission. This measure is expected to prevent fraudulent activities and ensure that PVCs are distributed to their rightful owners. INEC has made arrangements to ensure the exercise is transparent, orderly, and peaceful, in collaboration with security agents.
Professor Tella also revealed that a significant number of uncollected PVCs from the 2023 general election are still in the custody of the commission. He advised the owners to use the window period to collect them. The commission's effort to distribute PVCs aims to increase voter participation and ensure that eligible voters have their cards before the 2027 elections.
The PVC collection exercise in Oyo State is part of INEC's preparations for the 2027 general elections. The commission is working to ensure that all eligible voters have their PVCs and are able to participate in the electoral process. By collecting PVCs on personal recognition, INEC aims to prevent impersonation and ensure the credibility of the elections.
INEC's decision to collect PVCs on personal recognition aligns with its commitment to transparency and accountability. The commission has been working to improve the electoral process and ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible. The PVC collection exercise is a critical component of this process.
The Oyo State chapter of INEC is set to distribute PVCs across all 33 local government area offices. The commission has put measures in place to ensure that the exercise is successful and that all eligible voters are able to collect their PVCs. By doing so, INEC aims to increase voter participation and strengthen the democratic process.
As the PVC collection exercise commences, INEC is urging eligible voters in Oyo State to visit their local government area offices to collect their PVCs. The commission is working to ensure that the process is smooth and efficient, and that all eligible voters are able to participate in the electoral process.
Key points
- INEC to start PVC collection on personal recognition, not by proxy, in Oyo State on October 9, 2026.
- The collection of PVCs will take place in all 33 INEC local government area offices in Oyo State.
- INEC has a significant number of uncollected PVCs from the 2023 general election still in its custody.
