The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise currently underway is limited exclusively to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the February 21, 2026 Area Council Election.
In a statement on its official X handle on Thursday, INEC warned residents of other states against relying on unverified information regarding PVC collection in their areas.
“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 commission said, emphasizing that schedules for PVC collection in other states have not yet been determined.
“For other States, the dates for PVC collection have not yet been fixed by the Commission. Once the schedule is finalised, it will be officially announced on all INEC platforms,” the statement added.
The commission explained that the clarification is part of its ongoing efforts to ensure transparency, accessibility, and orderly voter registration ahead of local elections in the FCT and nationwide.
INEC had announced on Tuesday the commencement of PVC distribution for eligible voters in the FCT, urging citizens to collect their cards ahead of the February 21 polls. Collection is scheduled to take place at voters’ respective Registration Areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
Voters who are unable to collect their PVCs within this period can do so later at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT.
The commission also called on eligible voters outside the FCT to exercise patience.
“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,” INEC stated.
This clarification underscores the commission’s commitment to preventing confusion ahead of the FCT Area Council elections while maintaining orderly voter registration nationwide.
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