The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced October 9, 2026 as the commencement date for nationwide collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the date in Kaduna during the commission’s North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with staff and readiness assessment for the 2027 elections.
Amupitan said the three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise produced 10,772,421 new registrations, with the records now subject to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System.
The chairman also directed electoral officials to address operational gaps that could hinder PVC collection, particularly at the grassroots and in rural communities, so eligible voters are not disenfranchised because of logistical challenges.
The INEC chairman also warned electoral officials against partisan conduct and administrative negligence, stressing the importance of neutrality and professionalism among field personnel ahead of the 2027 elections.
The commission is conducting zonal readiness assessments across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to identify operational challenges and develop solutions before the elections.
INEC said the collection of the newly issued PVCs is scheduled to begin on October 9, while the commission continues preparations for the 2027 polls.
The official INEC voter portal also allows registered voters to check their PVC status and find their collection centre.
INEC’s current election timetable lists the Presidential and House of Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.
