Makinde Urges Nigerians to Collect PVCs as INEC Sets October 9 for Nationwide PVC Exercise.

Makinde Urges Nigerians to Collect PVCs as INEC Sets October 9 for Nationwide PVC Exercise.

Oyo State Governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing the importance of participating in the electoral process regardless of political preference.

Makinde made the appeal in a video shared on his social media platforms, where he displayed his own PVC and encouraged eligible Nigerians to obtain theirs ahead of the elections. He said citizens should not allow differences in political preferences to prevent them from exercising their voting rights.

The governor’s call comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to commence nationwide collection of newly issued PVCs on Friday, October 9, 2026. INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, announced the date during engagements with stakeholders as part of the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.

Makinde described the voter card as an important instrument through which Nigerians can participate in choosing their leaders. He urged citizens to collect their cards and use their votes according to their convictions during the 2027 election cycle.

The appeal is particularly significant as INEC continues preparations for the elections and updates the national voter register. The commission has said its three phase Continuous Voter Registration exercise recorded more than 10.7 million new registrations, subject to biometric verification and other processes required to maintain the integrity of the register.

According to INEC’s official election calendar, the presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections in participating states are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

Makinde’s intervention also comes amid growing political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls. The Oyo governor is seeking the presidency on the APM platform and has been campaigning on his proposed “Reset Nigeria” agenda, which includes reforms in areas such as the economy, education, security and governance.

While political parties and candidates intensify their campaigns, the emphasis on PVC collection highlights the importance of voter participation in determining the outcome of the elections. INEC has also urged eligible citizens to ensure they have the necessary electoral credentials and participate in the democratic process.

The governor’s message therefore extends beyond partisan politics, urging Nigerians to take ownership of their civic responsibilities and make their choices.