The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced voter register verification and Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection across Benue State as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The exercise began on Friday, October 9, and is scheduled to run until October 15, 2026. According to the commission, the process will take place across all 276 Registration Areas in Benue State, including weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily.
In a statement issued by Haliru Haruna, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, on behalf of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC urged registered voters to visit designated centres and confirm that their information had been accurately captured in the preliminary register.
Voters have been advised to check their names, photographs, dates of birth, polling units and other registration details. The commission also encouraged eligible citizens to submit legitimate claims or objections where they identify errors or questionable entries.
The exercise is being conducted under Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for public scrutiny of the preliminary voter register ahead of a general election. The process is intended to help identify inaccuracies and strengthen the credibility of the final register.
INEC also announced that PVCs for individuals who registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, conducted from August to December 2025, would be distributed at Registration Area level during the verification period. Further collection arrangements will be available through designated local government offices.
The exercise is important because accurate voter information and timely collection of PVCs help eligible citizens prepare to participate in elections. Residents are encouraged to verify their details early rather than wait until the final day.
The Benue exercise forms part of INEC’s wider preparations for the 2027 general elections. Nationwide PVC collection is also scheduled to begin on October 9, following the registration of more than 10.7 million additional voters during the latest registration exercise.
