2027 Elections: INEC Begins PVC Collection as Voter Register Tops 103 Million

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced nationwide Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection activities as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a strategic workshop for editors organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in collaboration with the commission. Following the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and final Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) cleanup, Nigeria’s National Register of Voters now stands at 103,428,715.Breakdown of the CVR exercise:- Phase I (August 25 – December 10, 2025): 2,611,266 new voters- Phase II (January 5 – April 17, 2026): 4,121,835 new voters- Phase III (May 11 – July 26, 2026): 3,867,997 new votersTotal new registrations before ABIS verification: 10,772,421. After claims, objections and biometric verification, the register exceeds 103 million. Lagos, Kano and Kaduna remain top three with 7,488,633, 6,570,276 and 4,662,640 respectively. “The nationwide collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) will commence on Friday, 9th October 2026” Prof. Joash Amupitan, INEC Chairman INEC confirmed that processing and printing of Phase One PVCs using the newly introduced Printable PVC technology under Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026 has been completed and distribution to local government collection centres is done.Where and How to Collect:- Date: From Friday, October 9, 2026- Venue: LGA offices and Registration Area (Ward) centers nationwide- Availability: Phase One PVCs confirmed ready. Other phases will be announced subsequently. Voters should confirm readiness before travelling to collection points. INEC has scheduled display of the preliminary register from October 9 to October 15, 2026 in line with Section 19 of the Electoral Act 2026 to allow claims and objections. Voters are urged to inspect spelling of names, photographs and personal details and report errors, omissions or discrepancies through prescribed channels. Correcting errors now will reduce complications during accreditation.Technology Improvements for 2027- Printable PVCs: Reduces waiting time and makes replacement of lost/stolen cards easier tested in Osun governorship election- Upgraded BVAS: 57,000 new devices with hardware optimisation, extended battery and software hardening for facial and fingerprint accreditation- Enhanced Result Management: Improved eEC8A form with cryptographic authentication before upload to IReV portal- Online CVR Portal: Introduced in Phase III to reduce travel burdenWhat Voters Should Do Now1. Check official INEC state office announcements for your LGA collection centre2. Verify your name in the preliminary register between October 9-153. Collect your PVC if you fall under Phase One and confirm before going4. Report any discrepancy within the stipulated periodPresidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027. INEC says eight of 14 statutory activities have been completed, with logistics spanning 176,846 polling units across 774 LGAs. The scale of the register highlights the logistical challenge ahead. The credibility of the 2027 polls will depend on effective distribution of cards, personnel training, technology functionality and security coordination. For citizens, collecting their PVCs and verifying their details remain the most practical steps toward participation.