The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, with registered voters urged to check their collection centres and obtain their cards before election day.
The exercise began on Friday, October 9, 2026, with collection taking place at designated Registration Area (RA) and ward centres across the country. According to the published schedule, the first phase will end on Thursday, October 15, before collection moves to INEC offices at the Local Government Area (LGA) level from Friday, October 16.
Collection is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., although voters should confirm arrangements with their designated centres before travelling.
The exercise covers newly registered voters whose cards are ready, people who transferred their voter registration to another location, applicants who requested replacement cards and eligible voters who have yet to collect PVCs issued during previous registration exercises.
Voters who are unsure whether their cards are ready can check their status and find their designated collection locations through INEC’s official Continuous Voter Registration portal at https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/.
The portal has a “Find My PVC” option that allows registered voters to check their card status and identify where to collect it. The commission also provides information about its state offices and Resident Electoral Commissioners through its official website at https://www.inecnigeria.org/about/state-offices/.
Where to collect your PVC
INEC is conducting the distribution in two phases. Between October 9 and October 15, registered voters are expected to visit the designated ward collection centre linked to their registration.
From October 16, collection will move to the relevant INEC LGA offices. Voters who cannot collect their cards during the ward-level phase should check the arrangements for their local government area.
To avoid unnecessary journeys, voters should confirm their collection locations through the official portal or contact the relevant INEC office before setting out.
What to take when collecting your PVC
Voters should take their voter registration slip or Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC), where available, to help officials identify their registration records. Anyone who is uncertain about the required documents should contact their designated collection centre for clarification.
PVC collection is expected to be completed personally by the registered voter. Under the published guidance cited for the exercise, collection by proxy is not permitted, meaning voters should not send relatives or friends to pick up their cards on their behalf.
Anyone who has misplaced a registration slip or is unsure whether a card has been printed should first check the official portal or seek guidance from INEC.
Who is eligible to collect a PVC?
The exercise is not limited to people who registered for the first time. It also covers eligible voters who transferred their registration, requested replacement cards for lost or damaged PVCs, or completed relevant voter information updates.
People who registered during earlier exercises but never collected their cards are also encouraged to check the collection records to determine whether their PVCs remain available.
Alongside the distribution exercise, INEC is displaying the National Register of Voters at designated ward centres between October 9 and October 15. Registered voters can use the display to verify their details, including their names and polling units, and raise claims or objections where necessary.
Voters are encouraged to check their information carefully and follow INEC’s approved procedures to address any discrepancies.
With the 2027 elections approaching, collecting a PVC early will help eligible voters confirm that their cards are available and avoid last-minute uncertainty.
Registered voters can begin by visiting https://cvr.inecnigeria.org/ and selecting “Find My PVC” to check their status and collection centre.
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