INEC Begins PVC Distribution, Register Display in Sokoto

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC will commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards PVCs and display of the preliminary register of voters across Sokoto State from October 9 to 15.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner REC in the state, Mr Umar Yusuf Garba, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists on the commission’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.

Garba said the exercise would take place at Registration Area centres across the state, particularly in locations without security concerns, to enable eligible voters to collect their cards and verify their registration details.

He explained that the PVCs currently available were those belonging to voters who registered between August 18 and December 10, 2025, during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

The REC clarified that PVCs relating to lost or damaged cards, transfers, updates and registrations conducted during the second and third phases of the CVR were not yet ready for collection.

He said INEC would announce when the affected cards became available.

Garba added that after the Registration Area-level exercise ended on October 15, PVC distribution would continue at INEC offices across the state’s 23 local government areas.

He urged registered voters to use the exercise to verify their names and other details on the preliminary register and report any errors, omissions or objections through the prescribed channels.

According to him, the display of the preliminary register was being conducted in line with Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for the display of the voters’ register ahead of an election.

On security, Garba said INEC had continued to work with security agencies throughout the voter registration process, adding that security advice had contributed to a safe exercise without casualties.

He also said the commission was engaging security agencies to determine the number of internally displaced persons in Sokoto and establish how those living in officially recognised camps could participate in the 2027 elections.

Garba said INEC would release the total number of registered voters in the state at the appropriate time.

He appealed to political parties, eligible voters and other stakeholders to cooperate with electoral officials to ensure a peaceful, transparent and credible exercise.