The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise applies exclusively to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Elections.
INEC made the clarification in a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, urging residents of other states not to rely on unverified information regarding PVC collection in their areas.
The commission explained that the current exercise is strictly limited to the FCT, stressing that no dates have been fixed for PVC collection in other states.
“Dear residents of other states, the current PVC collection exercise applies only to the FCT, ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Election,” INEC stated.
The clarification follows INEC’s earlier announcement on Tuesday, in which it disclosed the commencement of PVC distribution for eligible voters in the FCT in preparation for the upcoming Area Council polls.
According to the commission, PVC collection in the FCT is scheduled to take place at voters’ respective Registration Areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
INEC added that eligible voters who are unable to collect their PVCs at their wards within the stipulated period would be allowed to do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.
However, addressing concerns from residents in other states, the commission stressed that PVC collection schedules outside the FCT are yet to be determined.
“For other states, the dates for PVC collection have not yet been fixed by the Commission,” INEC noted.
The electoral body assured Nigerians that once dates are finalised, they will be officially announced across all INEC platforms.
INEC also urged eligible voters outside the FCT to remain patient and avoid misinformation.
“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,” the statement added.
