From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has started distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ahead of the 2026 Area Council Election scheduled for February 21, 2026.
According to INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for FCT, Malam Aminu Idris, the PVC collection exercise will run from January 22 to January 26, 2026, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm daily, across all 62 Registration Areas (wards) in the six Area Councils of the FCT.
The PVCs available for collection includes: Cards for newly registered voters, voters who transferred their registration within or into the FCT, those who requested replacement for lost or defaced PVCs and cards from previous registration exercises yet to be collected.
The total number of registered voters in FCT stands at 1,680,315, an increase from 1,570,307 recorded during the 2023 General Election.
The statement said that, INEC has made a significant progress in its preparations for the election, including, monitoring party primaries and resolving disputes, publishing of the final lists of nominated candidates, activating BVAS devices and accreditation of observers, media organisations, polling agents, and ad-hoc election personnel.
The Commission has also intensified voter education and sensitisation activities, published the final register of voters, and strengthened collaboration with security agencies.
INEC therefore, advised residents to collect their PVCs promptly, as it remains the only valid document for voter accreditation.
