INEC clarifies PVC collection is currently only for FCT ahead of Feb 21 elections, urging other states to await official dates

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection applies exclusively to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the February 21, 2026, Area Council elections.

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In a statement on its official X handle on Thursday, INEC urged citizens in other states not to rely on unverified information regarding PVC collection in their areas.

The clarification is part of INEC’s efforts to ensure transparency, accessibility, and orderly voter registration ahead of local elections across Nigeria.

PVC collection in the FCT will take place at voters’ respective Registration Areas (wards) from January 22 to January 26, daily between 9 am and 3 pm.

Eligible voters unable to collect their PVCs at their wards during this period may do so at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT thereafter.

“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 emphasised.

INEC added that schedules for PVC collection in other states have not yet been determined.

Once finalised, the commission assured that collection dates would be officially announced on all its platforms.

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The commission also called on voters outside the FCT to exercise patience, urging, “all eligible voters in other States to wait for official communication and avoid relying on unverified information.”