The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the nationwide distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election, with low turnout observed at several collection centres in Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan.
Checks by Chronicle NG on Friday showed that while distribution had commenced at some locations, other centres had yet to begin the exercise.
INEC had announced October 9 as the start date for PVC collection, urging eligible voters to collect their cards ahead of the elections.
The commission’s chairman, Joash Amupitan, had also disclosed that Nigeria’s national register of voters had grown to more than 103 million following the completion of the three-phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
PVC Collection in Abuja
At INEC’s office in Karu, Abuja, a list of PVC collection locations was displayed. The centres included Karshi, Orozo, Karu and Nyanya.
At LEA Primary School, opposite Karu Market, which serves as a collection centre for the Karu area, three INEC officials were on standby to attend to voters.
An official said only PVCs for people who registered in 2025 were available, adding that cards for those who registered in 2026 would be ready in two months.
Two residents who visited the centre to collect their cards were also informed that their registration records were in Nasarawa State rather than the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Low Turnout at Lagos Collection Centres
In Lagos, Chronicle NG visited Ajegunle Primary School, the collection centre serving Owode Onirin, Idera, Irawo, Thomos and Ajegunle.
The distribution began at about 12:03 pm, with INEC officials attending to applicants and explaining the collection procedures.
However, inadequate information about the requirements for collecting PVCs contributed to delays, as some applicants sought further clarification from officials.
Low turnout was also observed at African Church Primary School in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government Area and Adeniyi Jones Primary School in Alausa, Ikeja.
A few residents who registered in 2025 received their cards, while those who registered in 2026 were told their PVCs were not yet ready for collection.
No Distribution Observed at Some Ibadan Locations
In Ibadan, Oyo State, Chronicle NG visited a ward in Bodija and the state secretariat but observed no distribution activities.
At the Ibadan North Local Government Area, which houses an INEC office, security personnel said the exercise had not commenced and directed the reporter to check at their ward.
The observations indicate that, although INEC announced October 9 as the nationwide commencement date, the exercise was not yet underway at every location visited.
Eligible voters are advised to confirm their designated collection centres and the availability of their PVCs with INEC before visiting.
