The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has commenced the verification of the Preliminary Register of Voters, consideration of claims and objections, and collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, across Benue State. This exercise, which began on October 9, 2026, will run until October 15, 2026. It will be conducted in all 276 Registration Areas across the state, including weekends, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
According to a statement issued by Haliru Haruna, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Benue State, the exercise is in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. This section requires the Commission to make the Register of Voters available for public scrutiny at least 90 days before a general election. The Commission emphasized the importance of this process in ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.
During the exercise, registered voters are encouraged to visit designated centres to confirm that their personal information has been correctly captured in the register. They are advised to pay particular attention to their names, photographs, dates of birth, polling units, and other registration details to identify any inaccuracies that may require correction. This process will enable voters to verify their registration details and make necessary corrections.
The Commission also urged members of the public to use the designated period to raise legitimate claims or objections concerning entries in the register. This process will help identify and correct errors before the elections. INEC stressed that maintaining an accurate and credible voter register is fundamental to ensuring transparent, free, and fair elections. The statement emphasized the importance of public participation in this process.
PVCs belonging to individuals who registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, held between August 18 and December 10, 2025, will be distributed at the Registration Area level during the exercise. The cards will later be available for collection at designated Local Government Area offices, the Commission added. This will enable eligible voters to collect their PVCs and ensure they can exercise their franchise during elections.
INEC encouraged all eligible voters in Benue State to participate in the verification exercise and collect their PVCs. Possession of the card remains necessary for voters to exercise their franchise during elections. The Commission emphasized that this process is a critical step in preparing for the elections and ensuring that all eligible voters can participate.
The verification exercise and PVC collection will be conducted across all Registration Areas in Benue State, including weekends. Eligible voters are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to verify their registration details and collect their PVCs. This will help ensure that the voter register is accurate and credible, and that all eligible voters can participate in the elections.
Key points
- INEC begins verification of Preliminary Register of Voters and collection of PVCs in Benue State
- Exercise will run from October 9 to October 15, 2026, in all 276 Registration Areas across the state
- Possession of PVC remains necessary for voters to exercise their franchise during elections
