The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Plateau State has voiced concern over the low turnout of registered voters collecting their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). Resident Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Sadiq noted that, despite extensive sensitisation efforts, only 1,004 of more than 101,000 registered voters have collected their PVCs in the past three months—a collection rate of just 0.09%. He stressed that obtaining a PVC is a crucial step for participation in future elections and urged all registered voters to do so.
Sadiq outlined the commission’s upcoming timeline for outstanding activities. The preliminary register will be displayed from 15 to 21 December 2025, with a complaints handling session scheduled for 21 December 2025. He identified two major challenges: uncollected PVCs and incomplete registrations. Voters are encouraged to review the preliminary register for errors and request corrections. The second phase of continuous voter registration will begin on 5 January 2026.
The continuous voter registration exercise started on 18 August 2025 with online pre‑registration, followed by in‑person registration on 25 August 2025. According to Section 10 of the Electoral Act 2022, INEC is mandated to conduct voter registration continuously. The first phase of this exercise will conclude on 10 December 2025. Over the last three months, the commission received 76,451 applications, including 25,290 new registrations, a result Sadiq credited to the support of stakeholders.
The recent stakeholders’ meeting brought together political party officials, heads of security agencies, government representatives, religious and community leaders, traditional rulers, local government councils, and media personnel. Sadiq thanked them for their contributions and urged continued mobilisation of citizens to engage in the electoral process. He affirmed that INEC will keep working toward a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, emphasizing that active citizen participation is essential to achieving this goal.
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