The Independent National Electoral Commission (Independent National Electoral Commission) has announced that more than 1.58 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the build-up to the Area Council elections scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission described the PVC collection exercise as highly successful, reflecting strong voter readiness and enthusiasm ahead of the polls.
According to INEC, as of the close of collection on February 10, 2026, a total of 1,680,315 voters had registered in the FCT. Of that number, 1,587,025 PVCs were collected—representing an impressive 94.4 per cent collection rate—while 93,290 cards remain unclaimed.
A breakdown of the figures across the six area councils highlights encouraging levels of participation:
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Abaji Area Council: 75,517 PVCs collected out of 79,471 registered voters (95.0%)
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Bwari Area Council: 276,360 collected from 295,711 registered voters (93.5%)
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Gwagwalada Area Council: 196,184 collected out of 208,057 registered voters (94.3%)
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Kuje Area Council: 144,109 collected from 148,286 registered voters (97.2%) — the highest rate recorded
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Kwali Area Council: 99,774 collected out of 107,203 registered voters (93.1%)
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Municipal Area Council (AMAC): 795,081 collected from 841,587 registered voters (94.5%)
The commission further disclosed that several Registration Areas recorded collection rates exceeding 99 per cent, underscoring robust grassroots engagement throughout the territory.
INEC commended residents for their cooperation during both the Continuous Voter Registration and PVC collection exercises, noting that the figures demonstrate a high level of civic preparedness. It reiterated that only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be accredited to vote on Election Day.
The commission also assured residents that all logistical and security arrangements have been finalised to guarantee a free, fair, and credible electoral process.
Notably, the FCT Area Council elections remain the only local government polls in Nigeria conducted directly by INEC, rather than by state electoral commissions. Voters across the six councils—Abaji, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Kwali—will elect six chairmen and 62 councillors across 68 constituencies.
INEC confirmed that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) will be deployed in all polling units, with results transmitted electronically to its Result Viewing Portal to enhance transparency.
Movement restrictions are expected to be enforced from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Election Day, while security agencies have announced extensive deployments to maintain order. Campaign activities officially concluded at midnight on February 19, marking the final countdown to the polls.
With voter turnout indicators already strong, attention now shifts to Saturday’s exercise, as residents of the nation’s capital prepare to shape leadership at the grassroots level.
