Low PVC Collection Turnout Recorded In Jos, Bayelsa, Others Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Low turnout for Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection was recorded in parts of Plateau, Bayelsa, Niger and Ondo states on Monday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continued the exercise at Registration Area levels.

The collection is being conducted alongside the display of the National Register of Voters to allow registered voters to verify their details ahead of future elections. In Plateau State, INEC officials at the Registration Area Centre in Giring, Jos South Local Government Area, were seen waiting for registered voters to collect their cards.

A similar situation was observed at Akure South Ward 4 in Ondo State, where an INEC official was present to distribute PVCs, but no voters were seen at the collection point. In Bayelsa State, a resident of Yenagoa was seen collecting his PVC at the INEC office in Onopa, within Yenagoa Local Government Area.

Niger State also recorded low participation, with INEC officials present at collection centres while only a few residents turned up to collect their cards. The ongoing exercise follows INEC's announcement that PVCs are available for collection by eligible registered voters, including those who completed registration-related transactions in 2025.

The commission said the cards were ready for fresh registrants, voters who requested transfers or replacements, and those who updated or reviewed their information during the year.

“Registered in 2025? Your PVC is now ready for collection. The cards are available for fresh registrants, transfers, replacements, and those who carried out information updates or reviews in 2025. Voters from previous registration exercises can also collect theirs,” the commission said.

INEC added that voters who registered, requested transfers or applied for replacements of lost or damaged cards during the first phase could collect their PVCs.

“Uncollected PVCs from previous voter registration exercises will also be available,” the commission stated.

According to INEC's schedule, collection at Registration Area centres runs from Friday, October 9, to Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The exercise will subsequently move to Local Government Area offices from Friday, October 16.