Area Council Elections: INEC Confirms PVC Collection Limited to FCT Ahead of February 21 Polls

Electoral body urges voters in other states to ignore rumours, says nationwide PVC collection dates will be announced officially.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) is currently restricted to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as preparations intensify for the February 21, 2026 Area Council elections.

In a public notice issued on Thursday, the Commission explained that no timetable has yet been fixed for PVC collection in other states of the federation. INEC stressed that the present exercise is solely for voters in the FCT, where local government elections are scheduled to take place next month.

The electoral body assured eligible voters nationwide that once arrangements for PVC collection outside the FCT are finalised, the information will be communicated through its official channels.

INEC also warned the public against relying on unverified messages circulating on unofficial platforms, urging Nigerians to depend only on updates released by the Commission.

The clarification follows an earlier announcement inviting residents of the FCT to collect their PVCs in line with preparations for the Area Council polls.

According to INEC, the PVC collection exercise in the FCT begins on Thursday, January 22, and will run until Sunday, January 26, 2026. Collection will take place daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at all Registration Areas (Wards) across the territory.

After this period, uncollected PVCs will be made available at INEC Area Council offices.

The Commission encouraged eligible voters in the FCT to take advantage of the exercise, stressing that early collection of PVCs is crucial for a smooth and credible voting process on election day.