The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has started displaying the preliminary register of voters and distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in preparation for the 2027 general elections. This exercise, which began on October 9, 2026, and will run until October 15, 2026, allows registered voters to verify their personal details, make claims and objections where necessary, and collect their PVCs. The exercise is taking place at Registration Area centres in Plateau and Sokoto states.
In Plateau State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Professor Sam Egwu, announced that the commission would conduct the exercise simultaneously across all 207 Registration Areas in the state. Egwu disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Jos. He said the exercise would include the display of the preliminary register, handling of claims and objections, and collection of PVCs by eligible voters.
The INEC verification process aims to improve the accuracy of the voter register and give registered voters an opportunity to correct errors before the next general elections. Registered voters are encouraged to visit the designated centres during the exercise and confirm that their registration information is accurate. They are expected to check their names, photographs, dates of birth, polling units, and other details supplied during registration.
In Sokoto State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar Garba, also announced the commencement of the exercise while briefing journalists on INEC's preparations for the 2027 general elections. Garba outlined the commission's plans for the display of the preliminary register and distribution of PVCs. He explained that the exercise would cover PVCs arising from the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration programme.
Garba added that PVCs issued through the first phase of the CVR exercise, which ran from August 18 to December 10, 2025, would be available for collection during the verification period. The arrangement is expected to give voters who registered during that phase an opportunity to obtain their cards before the 2027 elections. INEC will also continue distributing PVCs at its offices in the state's 23 local government areas after the display exercise at Registration Area centres ends on October 15.
The extension of collection to local government offices is intended to provide another opportunity for eligible voters who are unable to obtain their cards at the designated centres during the seven-day exercise. Garba also spoke about security arrangements surrounding voter registration and preparations for the forthcoming elections. He said the commission had taken the advice of security agencies into consideration throughout the recent registration process.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners in Plateau and Sokoto states have assured voters that the commission will continue working to ensure that eligible residents receive their PVCs. They also addressed the participation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), saying the commission is engaging security agencies to establish the number of displaced persons in the states and determine how they can participate in the 2027 general elections.
Key points
- INEC begins verifying voter registers and distributing PVCs in Plateau and Sokoto states from October 9 to 15, 2026.
- The exercise aims to improve the accuracy of the voter register and give registered voters an opportunity to correct errors before the 2027 general elections.
- INEC will continue distributing PVCs at its offices in local government areas after the display exercise at Registration Area centres ends.
