INEC sets October 9 start for PVC collection in Sokoto

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Sokoto State has urged eligible voters to take part actively in the electoral process and maintain confidence in the institution. The commission made the call in a statement issued on Thursday by its Public Affairs Officer, Hassan Gendane, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary. INEC Sokoto said registered voters would be able to collect their Permanent Voter Cards from designated collection centres beginning on October 9, 2026.

It did not identify the centres in the supplied statement. The commission advised citizens to obtain information about elections and voter procedures only through official INEC channels. It said this would help protect voters from unverified information and possible misinformation.

INEC also urged Nigerians to uphold peace, respect the rule of law and support efforts to strengthen democratic governance. It said eligible citizens had the right to choose their preferred candidates freely. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting elections according to the law and ensuring that every vote was properly accounted for.

It called on voters to participate peacefully and responsibly, while congratulating Nigerians on the Independence anniversary. The announcement places responsibility on registered voters in Sokoto to confirm relevant information through INEC’s official communication channels before visiting collection centres. The supplied statement did not provide further details about the number of cards available or the duration of the collection exercise.