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The African Centre for Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR) has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring timely distribution of new Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 polls.
ACJHR, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Abubakar Musa, said early distribution of PVCs was an important step towards strengthening citizens’ participation in the democratic process.
The electoral body had scheduled the commencement of the distribution of PVCs for 9 October 2026 for newly registered voters in the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, as well as those whose PVCs were lost or damaged.
ACJHR, while commending the INEC chairman, Joash Amupitan, for the early distribution of the PVCs, said it demonstrates the Commission’s commitment to ensuring that eligible Nigerians are provided with the necessary documentation to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
It noted that the timely distribution of PVCs would help reduce avoidable barriers that could prevent eligible citizens from participating in the elections, while urging INEC to sustain the momentum by ensuring that the distribution process remains transparent, accessible, orderly and free from unnecessary bottlenecks.
ACJHR also called on Nigerians who registered during the recent CVR exercise, transferred their polling units, or require replacement of lost or damaged PVCs to take advantage of the collection window and obtain their cards promptly.
“Democracy is strengthened when citizens do not only demand good governance but also actively participate in the processes through which leaders are chosen. The PVC remains an important instrument for exercising the constitutional right to vote.
“We therefore encourage every eligible Nigerian who has registered and is entitled to collect a PVC to do so. Citizens should not wait until the last minute before collecting their cards,” the statement said.
