The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State has expressed concern over the extremely low number of registered voters collecting their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).
Resident Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Sadiq raised the issue during a stakeholders’ meeting in Jos, the state capital, on Wednesday, describing the turnout as “disappointing” despite extensive sensitisation efforts.
Sadiq revealed that of over 101,000 PVCs ready for collection, only 1,004 have been picked up in the past three months, representing a mere 0.09% of the total. “Even a one percent collection has not been reached in Plateau,” he lamented.
He urged registered voters to collect their PVCs, stressing that obtaining the cards is essential for participation in upcoming elections.
The commission also outlined key upcoming activities, including the display of the preliminary register from December 15 to 21, 2025, and the handling of complaints on December 21, 2025.
Sadiq identified two main challenges for INEC in the state: uncollected PVCs and incomplete registrations. He encouraged voters to use the display of the preliminary register to verify their details and make corrections where necessary. The second phase of continuous voter registration is scheduled to begin on January 5, 2026.
Expressing gratitude to stakeholders—including traditional rulers, local government councils, political parties, the media, and community leaders—Sadiq emphasised the importance of collective effort in strengthening democracy and ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.
He highlighted the significance of continuous voter registration, noting that the first phase, which began on August 18, 2025, through online pre-registration and in-person registration from August 25, 2025, would conclude on December 10, 2025.
“Accurate voter registration is a cornerstone of our electoral system and a primary function of INEC, as mandated by Section 10 of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended),” Sadiq said.
He also provided statistics from the past three months: 76,451 applications received, 25,290 new registrations completed, 7,019 pending captures, 44,142 incidences recorded, 101,200 PVCs uncollected, and only 1,004 PVCs collected (394 male and 610 female).
The stakeholders’ meeting brought together officials from political parties, heads of security and government agencies, religious and community leaders, among others.
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