The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the display of the preliminary register of voters and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) across Sokoto State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The exercise will run from Friday, October 9, to Thursday, October 15, 2026, with eligible voters expected to verify their registration details, raise claims or objections and collect available PVCs.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto, Umar Yusuf Garba, announced the arrangements on Thursday during a briefing with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists press centre in the state.
Garba said the exercise would take place at Registration Area centres, particularly in locations without security concerns.
He said the PVCs currently available for collection were those belonging to voters who registered during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise, conducted between August 18 and December 10, 2025.
The REC explained that cards relating to lost or damaged PVCs, transfers, updates and registrations carried out during the second and third phases of the CVR were not yet ready.
He said INEC would announce when those cards become available for collection.
Garba urged voters to take advantage of the exercise to check their names and other details on the preliminary register and report any errors, omissions or objections through the appropriate channels.
The display of the voters’ register is being conducted in accordance with Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for a seven-day period of public scrutiny before a general election.
The commission has said the nationwide exercise is part of preparations for the 2027 elections and an opportunity for voters to help identify errors or other issues requiring correction in the register.
Garba said security agencies remained involved in planning the exercise, particularly in determining locations where electoral activities could be safely conducted.
He said INEC had taken security advice seriously throughout the recent registration process and would continue to work with relevant agencies to protect voters and electoral personnel.
According to the REC, distribution would continue at INEC offices across Sokoto State’s 23 local government areas after the Registration Area exercise ends on October 15.
The arrangement is intended to allow eligible voters who are unable to collect their PVCs at the Registration Area level to do so at the LGA offices.
On internally displaced persons, Garba said INEC was working with security agencies to determine the number of IDPs in Sokoto and identify ways to enable those living in officially recognised camps to participate in the 2027 elections.
He said the commission would announce the total number of registered voters in Sokoto State at the appropriate time.
Garba appealed to political parties, voters and other stakeholders to cooperate with INEC officials to ensure a peaceful and transparent exercise.
The Sokoto PVC distribution is part of INEC’s nationwide preparations for the 2027 general elections, as the commission works to finalise the voters’ register and ensure eligible citizens are able to participate in the polls.
