The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible registered voters across the country in the next three days.
The exercise, scheduled to begin on Thursday, is part of the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections and is expected to enable newly registered voters and others who require updated cards to obtain them ahead of the polls.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday during a strategic engagement meeting with journalists in Abuja.
According to the commission, the PVC distribution will particularly benefit Nigerians who recently completed voter registration, transferred their voting locations or applied for replacement of damaged cards.
The exercise is expected to give eligible voters sufficient time to collect their cards and confirm their registration details before the 2027 elections.
Amupitan said the commission was working to strengthen the electoral process through greater use of technology and improved security measures.
He explained that INEC was taking steps to ensure that stolen, lost or otherwise compromised voter cards could not be exploited by unauthorised persons to undermine the integrity of elections.
The commission’s position comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations for the 2027 general elections, with voter participation and the credibility of the electoral process expected to remain key issues.
The INEC chairman also warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against disrupting the campaigns, rallies and other political activities of rival parties.
He urged all political actors to respect the rights of other parties and their supporters as preparations for the elections gather momentum.
Amupitan stressed the need for political parties and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the provisions of the law.
The warning is coming at a time of increasing political mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties expected to organise rallies, consultations and other campaign-related activities in the months leading to the polls.
INEC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of a peaceful political environment to the conduct of credible elections, while security agencies are expected to ensure that political activities do not degenerate into violence.
The commission’s decision to begin PVC distribution is also expected to be closely monitored by political parties, civil society organisations and other electoral stakeholders.
Eligible voters who registered recently, transferred their voting locations or requested replacement of damaged cards are expected to take advantage of the exercise to obtain their PVCs and ensure that their voter information is accurate.
The commission said its ongoing preparations were aimed at ensuring that eligible Nigerians are able to participate fully in the electoral process.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, INEC is expected to continue releasing further details on voter registration, PVC collection, election logistics and other aspects of the electoral timetable.
The commission has urged eligible voters to follow official channels for information regarding the collection of their cards and other electoral procedures, while political parties and their supporters are expected to maintain peace and respect the democratic rights of other participants.
