INEC sets October 9 start for nationwide collection of new voter cards

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed October 9, 2026, for nationwide collection of newly issued Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the date in Kaduna during the commission’s North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting with staff. He said the cards followed three phases of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

The commission recorded 10,772,421 new registrations across the three phases. The first, conducted from August 25 to December 10, 2025, produced 2,611,266 registrations. The second, from January 5 to April 17, 2026, recorded 4,121,835, while the third, from May 11 to July 26, produced 3,867,997.

Amupitan said the figures remained subject to verification through the Automated Biometric Identification System, which was being concluded. He directed officials to address challenges that could obstruct collection, particularly in rural communities. He urged electoral staff and security personnel to remain neutral and professional, saying their conduct at local government areas, registration centres and polling units would affect public confidence.

He cited Section 26 of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires participating officials and security personnel to swear an oath of loyalty and neutrality. Amupitan warned that poor administration could encourage misinformation and voter apathy. He said delays at polling units, perceived bias and unexplained technical failures could deepen distrust and give false narratives greater traction.

INEC said preparations were advancing for presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for January 16, 2027, and governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for February 6. Registered voters can use the commission’s official portal to check PVC status and collection locations.