The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that newly registered voters who enrolled during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will begin collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from October 9. This was made known by INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash O. Amupitan, during the commission’s Northwest Zonal Interactive Meeting with Staff and Readiness Assessment for the 2027 general election in Kaduna.
The INEC chairman emphasized the importance of protecting the commission's institutional integrity, warning staff members against partisan conduct, administrative negligence, and compromised ethics ahead of the polls. He reminded officials of the oath of loyalty and neutrality required of all electoral officials and security personnel under Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026.
Amupitan noted that the conduct, competence, and character of the commission’s field staff during elections were either its strongest defence against fake news or its biggest catalyst for it. He urged officials to know the law, understand their responsibility, remain neutral, document their actions, and ensure that every administrative decision can withstand public scrutiny and judicial review.
The Kaduna engagement is part of INEC’s six-zone national tour, designed to assess the commission’s preparedness for the elections, identify challenges confronting its field operations, and develop practical solutions ahead of election day. The assessment covers operational issues at the Local Government Area, Registration Area Centre, and polling-unit levels.
Amupitan explained that the shift to a hands-on, zonal approach is aimed at ensuring the success of the election, which he believes is not decided solely in the meeting rooms of the headquarters in Abuja but in the field. He recalled the commission’s performance in recent off-cycle elections, particularly the Osun State governorship election, crediting the outcome to staff dedication.
The INEC chairman also disclosed that the commission is at an advanced stage of implementing a new salary and welfare package for its staff, having established the Consolidated Election Management Body Salary Structure (CEMBSS) effective January 1, 2026. Additionally, the commission has begun procuring and distributing new operational pick-up vehicles to state offices and local government areas nationwide.
Collection of new PVCs will commence in early October as scheduled, and eligible citizens are encouraged to collect their cards and exercise their right to vote. The 2027 elections are expected to be held simultaneously across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
Key points
- INEC sets October 9 for PVC collection for new voters.
- INEC chairman warns staff against partisan conduct and negligence.
- The commission begins a new salary and welfare package for its staff.
