INEC Sets PVC Collection for October 9, but Reports Differ

Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says nationwide collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will begin ahead of the 2027 general elections, with two reports specifying Friday, October 9, 2026, as the start date. A third account says the exercise will begin on Thursday but gives no calendar date, leaving the reported weekday inconsistent. INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the collection plans at a media engagement in Abuja on Monday, October 5. The commission’s reported start date is four days after the announcement. The conflicting Thursday account does not specify a date, and the available information does not resolve the discrepancy. The collection is intended for voters who recently registered, transferred their voting locations or requested replacements for damaged cards, according to INEC. The commission said the exercise is part of its preparations for the 2027 elections. Amupitan said processing and distribution of Phase 1 cards to local government centres had been completed.