By Tony Ezike
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced October 9, 2026 as the commencement date for collection of newly printed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as preparations gather momentum for the 2027 General Election.
The announcement came during INEC’s North-West Zonal Interactive Meeting and Readiness Assessment in Kaduna, where Chairman Professor Joash Amupitan, SAN, issued a strong warning to electoral officials against partisan behaviour, negligence and violations of the Commission’s ethical standards.
Amupitan said officials must remain strictly neutral and operate within the Electoral Act, regulations and guidelines governing the elections. He emphasised that the conduct of personnel at polling units would be critical to public confidence in the electoral process.
He also directed staff to document their actions, follow established procedures and escalate operational difficulties through formal channels rather than resorting to informal shortcuts.
The Commission said its nationwide readiness assessment is designed to identify operational gaps, strengthen staff compliance and improve preparations for the 2027 elections.
The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, with the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections fixed for February 6, 2027.
