The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed that the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise is exclusively for residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The clarification was issued on Thursday, January 22, 2026, following reports that PVCs were being distributed in other states, information INEC said was incorrect and could mislead voters.
According to the commission, the exercise is part of preparations for the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
Eligible voters in the FCT can collect their PVCs at ward-level centres across all 62 Registration Areas in the six Area Councils from Wednesday, January 21, 2026, to Sunday, January 25, 2026, daily between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Voters who miss the ward-level distribution can obtain their PVCs at INEC Area Council offices after January 26.
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The cards available include those for newly registered voters, individuals who transferred registration within or into the FCT, replacements for lost or defaced PVCs, and uncollected cards from previous exercises.
INEC urged residents of other states to disregard any claims of PVC collection in their areas, noting that schedules for states outside the FCT have not yet been announced and will only be communicated through official channels.
Voters are advised to verify their registration and collection details via INEC’s official online portal to ensure timely collection of their PVCs.