Introduction

INEC has commenced a critical exercise in the Federal Capital Territory, opening the display of the voter register and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle. The move signals the commission's effort to ensure every eligible voter has the documentation needed to participate.

What Happened

A public notice signed by Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye on behalf of the FCT Resident Electoral Commissioner announced that the voter register would be on display and PVCs made available at 62 Registration Area Centres across the territory, running through Thursday, October 15, 2026. Following that date, the exercise will shift to six area council offices starting October 16. INEC is urging residents to verify their names on the register, confirm their assigned polling units, raise objections to ineligible inclusions, and collect their PVCs if they registered, transferred, or updated their records before 2026 and have not yet received their cards.

Why This Matters

With over 103 million registered voters nationwide and the FCT alone accounting for 1.7 million, the outcome of this exercise directly affects the credibility and inclusiveness of the 2026 elections. The commission's emphasis on verification and objection handling aims to prevent disenfranchisement and maintain a clean voter roll. Additionally, the integration of technology to protect compromised or lost cards underscores INEC's commitment to electoral integrity.

Key Takeaways

  • INEC's PVC collection and voter register display in the FCT runs until October 15, with a continuation at area council offices from October 16.
  • Eligible voters are encouraged to check their registration details, confirm polling unit assignments, and collect their cards if they registered before 2026.
  • The commission has established dedicated hotlines 0700 225 5634 632 and 0701 578 0499 for public enquiries.
  • Nigeria's total registered voter count stands at 103 million, with the FCT contributing 1,772,043 voters.
  • The voter register shows a near-even gender split and a dominant cohort of voters aged 35 to 49, who represent the largest age group on the register.

Conclusion

The ongoing PVC collection and voter register display in the FCT is a pivotal step toward a well-prepared 2026 election. Voters are advised to take advantage of the remaining window, verify their details, and ensure their cards are in hand. As INEC strengthens its technological safeguards and expands outreach, the exercise reflects the commission's broader commitment to a credible, inclusive, and technologically protected electoral process.