The Independent National Electoral Commission has clarified that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card collection exercise applies exclusively to the Federal Capital Territory, ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council Election.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Thursday, INEC advised citizens not to rely on unverified information about PVC collection in their respective areas.
The clarification is part of INEC’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accessibility, and an orderly voter registration process ahead of the forthcoming local elections in the FCT and across the country.
On Tuesday, INEC announced the commencement of the distribution of Permanent Voters Card ahead of the February 21 Area Council elections in the FCT.
INEC stated this in a post on its official X handle, urging eligible voters in the FCT to take part in the exercise and collect their PVCs.
The commission said that the PVC collection will be carried out 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 miss the collection at their wards during the stipulated period can collect their PVCs later at 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 the collection dates are finalized, they will be officially announced across all its platforms.
“Once the schedule is finalized, 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.”
