The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will commence the nationwide collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on October 9, 2026. This move is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made this disclosure during the North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with staff in Kaduna. The meeting was aimed at assessing readiness for the 2027 elections.
The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which was conducted in three phases, produced 10,772,421 new registrations. These records are currently undergoing verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System. According to Amupitan, the commission is working to address bottlenecks affecting PVC distribution at the Local Government Area level. He stressed the need to ensure that eligible voters are not prevented from participating in the electoral process due to administrative or logistical challenges.
Amupitan directed INEC officials to ensure that the PVC collection process is smooth and accessible to all eligible voters. He also urged field officials to maintain neutrality and professionalism, warning against partisan conduct and administrative negligence as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify. The INEC chairman emphasized the importance of a transparent and efficient electoral process.
INEC is refining its technological systems for voter verification, result transmission, and election result management. The commission is implementing a “Zero-Failure” approach to logistics, which includes the early deployment and movement of election materials, security coordination, and training of ad hoc personnel. These measures aim to ensure a successful and credible electoral process.
The commission has published a timetable for the 2027 elections, listing the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027. The Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in participating states are scheduled for February 6, 2027. INEC has also provided a voter verification portal for registered voters to check their registration status and access information about their PVC collection.
The nationwide PVC collection will begin on October 9, 2026, and eligible voters are encouraged to participate in the process. INEC is working to ensure that all eligible voters have access to their PVCs and can exercise their right to vote in the 2027 elections. The commission is committed to conducting a free, fair, and transparent electoral process.
Registered voters can use INEC’s voter verification portal to check their registration status and access information about their PVC collection. The commission is refining its systems and processes to ensure a successful electoral process. With the PVC collection set to begin on October 9, 2026, eligible voters are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to participate in the 2027 elections.
Key points
- INEC to start collecting new PVCs nationwide on October 9, 2026.
- 10,772,421 new registrations recorded during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
- INEC implementing a “Zero-Failure” approach to logistics for the 2027 elections.
