The Independent National Electoral Commission has clarified that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card collection exercise currently underway applies exclusively to the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Election.
In a statement addressed to residents of other states on its official X handle on Thursday, INEC urged citizens not to rely on unverified information regarding PVC collection in their respective areas.
PUNCH Online reports that this clarification comes as part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accessibility, and orderly voter registration ahead of the forthcoming local elections in the FCT and nationwide.
Recall that INEC, on Tuesday, announced the commencement of the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT.
INEC disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X handle, urging eligible voters in the FCT to take advantage of the exercise to collect their PVCs.
According to the commission, the PVC collection will take place at voters’ respective Registration Areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, between 9 am and 3 pm daily.
INEC added that eligible voters who are unable to collect their PVCs at their wards within the stipulated period would be able to do so thereafter at the INEC Area Council offices across the FCT
However, clarifying the earlier announcement, the commission stated, “Dear residents of other states, the current PVC collection exercise applies only to the FCT, ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Election.”
The electoral body further explained that schedules for PVC collection in other states have not yet been determined, stating, “For other States, the dates for PVC collection have not yet been fixed by the Commission.”
The commission assured voters that once collection dates are finalised, they would be officially announced on all its platforms.
“Once the schedule is finalised, it will be officially announced on all INEC platforms,” the statement noted.
To avoid confusion and ensure proper planning, the commission also called on eligible voters outside the FCT to exercise patience, stating, “We urge all eligible voters in other States to wait for official communication and avoid relying on unverified information.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
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