By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) ahead of the Saturday 21 February,2026 Area Council elections, as part of efforts to ensure eligible voters are fully prepared to participate in the polls.
The commission disclosed this on Tuesday, 20 January, 2026 in a statement posted on its official X handle, where it urged residents of the FCT to take advantage of the exercise and collect their PVCs within the stipulated period.
According to INEC, the distribution exercise is designed to bring voter cards closer to registered voters and boost participation in the upcoming election.
INEC explained that PVC collection will take place at voters’ respective Registration Areas (wards) across the FCT from Thursday,22January,2026 to Monday, 26January, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
Consequently, eligible voters are expected to visit their wards within the five-day window to retrieve their cards.
The commission further clarified that voters who are unable to collect their PVCs at their wards during the specified period will still have another opportunity.
After January 26, PVC collection will continue at INEC Area Council offices across the FCT, ensuring that no eligible voter is disenfranchised due to logistics or timing challenges.
In its message to residents, INEC said, “Dear #FCT Resident, as we prepare for the February 21st Area Council Election, INEC is bringing your PVC closer to you. Don’t miss the chance to collect your PVC in the FCT. From Jan 22–26, 9 am –3 pm daily, visit your Registration Area (Ward) to collect your Permanent Voter Card (PVC). After the 26th, collection continues at INEC Area Council Offices.”
Meanwhile, the commission encouraged voters to make use of its online platform to track their PVC collection centres. It advised residents to confirm details through the official locator link at [https://cvr.inecinigeria.org/Locator](https://cvr.inecinigeria.org/Locator), thereby easing the process and reducing overcrowding at collection points.
The forthcoming February 21 Area Council elections, which will commence at 8:30 a.m., will feature 17 political parties competing for elective positions across the FCT’s 62 wards. INEC stressed that possession of a PVC remains a mandatory requirement for voting, underscoring the importance of timely collection.
As preparations for the polls gather momentum, the commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a credible and inclusive election, urging eligible voters in the FCT to actively participate by collecting their PVCs and exercising their civic responsibility on election day.
