INEC PVC collection began nationwide on October 9, 2026, for eligible first-phase registrants as voters verify their details ahead of the 2027 elections.
The exercise began on Friday, October 9, 2026, and forms part of INEC’s preparations for the next general elections. The commission is also displaying the preliminary register of voters to allow citizens to identify errors, report omissions and raise objections before officials finalise the register.
According to reports, the current exercise covers voters who registered between August 18 and December 10, 2025. INEC has urged eligible registrants to visit the designated collection centres and confirm that their personal details appear correctly in the voter register.
INEC PVC Collection Targets First-Phase Registrants
The ongoing INEC PVC collection exercise focuses on newly registered voters from the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration programme, rather than everyone who registered during the three phases conducted between 2025 and 2026.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, previously announced the nationwide collection date as the commission intensified preparations for the 2027 elections. The commission also reported that the completed registration exercise attracted more than 10.7 million new registrants, bringing Nigeria’s national register of voters to over 103 million.
However, not all newly registered voters can collect their cards during this initial exercise. PVCs linked to the second and third registration phases, as well as requests involving transfers, updates and lost or damaged cards, were not yet available for collection when the announcement was made.
INEC says it will provide further information when the outstanding cards become available. Voters should therefore check official announcements before travelling to a collection centre, particularly if they registered during a later phase or requested changes to their existing registration.
The commission has also introduced printable PVC technology, which it says will help reduce delays in card production and make replacement easier for eligible voters who lose their cards.
Voters Have Seven Days to Check Their Details
Alongside the INEC PVC collection exercise, the commission has scheduled the display of the preliminary register of voters from October 9 to October 15, 2026. During this period, registered voters can inspect their information and report discrepancies through the prescribed channels.
INEC has encouraged citizens to check their names, photographs, dates of birth and polling unit details carefully, since mistakes or missing information could create difficulties during the electoral process.
The exercise also gives voters an opportunity to raise claims and objections where necessary, helping the commission identify problems before it finalises the register for the upcoming elections.
In several states, electoral officials have announced that the display and collection exercise will take place at Registration Area, or ward-level, centres during the seven-day period. Some state offices have also outlined arrangements for continued collection at local government offices after the initial display period ends.
Voters should confirm the arrangements in their respective states because collection locations and subsequent procedures may vary. The commission’s official channels and state INEC offices remain important sources of information for those seeking guidance.
INEC Strengthens Preparations for 2027 Polls
The nationwide PVC collection exercise represents one of several administrative steps INEC is taking ahead of the 2027 general elections. By distributing available cards and allowing voters to inspect their details, the commission aims to improve the accuracy of its records and help eligible citizens prepare for election day.
The rise in voter registration also increases the importance of effective planning, public communication and timely distribution of election materials. INEC must ensure that eligible voters understand where and when to collect their cards while addressing questions about registrations that are not yet ready.
For Nigerians who recently registered, the immediate priority is to confirm their eligibility, collect their PVCs where available and check their information before the stipulated deadline for register verification.
As preparations continue, INEC’s ability to communicate clear instructions and make collection arrangements accessible will remain important to ensuring that eligible voters can participate in the 2027 general elections.
