The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to recently registered voters in Abuja ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At Government Secondary School in Area 10, Garki, INEC officials were present to issue the cards, although turnout was low on the first day of the exercise.
The collection centre was scheduled to close at about 3pm.
An INEC official at the centre attributed the low turnout to the fact that it was the first day of the exercise and urged eligible voters to collect their cards early to avoid a last-minute rush.
The exercise followed an announcement by the commission that PVCs were ready for collection by eligible voters.
INEC said the cards were available to fresh registrants, voters who requested transfers, those seeking replacements for lost or damaged cards, and individuals who updated or reviewed their registration information in 2025.
The commission also said uncollected PVCs from previous registration exercises could be collected during the exercise.
“If you registered, requested a transfer, or applied for a replacement of a lost or damaged PVC during the first phase, your PVC will be available for collection,” the commission said.
INEC announced that collection at Registration Areas (RAs) would run from Friday, October 9, to Thursday, October 15, 2026. From Friday, October 16, collection would move to the Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The exercise is scheduled to take place daily between 9am and 3pm.
The commission also disclosed that the National Register of Voters would be displayed for public scrutiny at Registration Areas nationwide from October 9 to October 15, 2026.
INEC urged Nigerians to take advantage of the exercise by collecting their PVCs and checking their registration details ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Get your PVC now, it is your power to vote!” the commission said.
