The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says more than 1.5 million voters in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.According to the Commission, a total of 1,680,315 voters are registered across the FCT. Out of this number, 1,587,025 PVCs have been collected, representing an impressive 94.4 percent collection rate, while 93,290 cards remain uncollected.
Across the six Area Councils, the figures show strong participation. Abaji Area Council recorded 75,517 PVCs collected out of 79,471 registered voters, representing 95.0 percent. Bwari Area Council recorded 276,360 PVCs collected out of 295,711 registered voters, translating to 93.5 percent. Gwagwalada Area Council recorded 196,184 PVCs collected out of 208,057 registered voters, representing 94.3 percent. Kuje Area Council recorded 144,109 PVCs collected out of 148,286 registered voters, the highest rate at 97.2 percent. Kwali Area Council recorded 99,774 PVCs collected out of 107,203 registered voters, representing 93.1 percent. The Municipal Area Council recorded the largest figure with 795,081 PVCs collected out of 841,587 registered voters, representing 94.5 percent.
INEC also noted that several Registration Areas recorded collection rates above 99 percent, showing strong grassroots engagement across the territory. The Commission commended voters in the FCT for their cooperation and enthusiasm during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and PVC collection exercise, saying the high turnout indicates strong readiness to participate in the electoral process.
INEC reiterated that only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be allowed to vote on election day and assured the public that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a free, fair, and credible election.
The statement was signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, on February 19, 2026.
