INEC introduces QR code to track PVC collection centres in Lagos

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced a QR code to help residents locate designated centres for collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as part of efforts to ensure voters receive their cards on time ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday during a briefing on preparations for the elections, Lagos Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Professor Ayobami Salami, disclosed that PVCs for residents who registered between January 5 and July 26, 2026, were not yet available for collection.

According to him, “PVCs are currently available for persons who registered between August 25, and December, 10 2025 as well as those who registered between 201l and 2022 but have yet to collect their cards.”

“PVCs for persons who registered between January 5 and July 26,2026 are not yet available. The collection of their cards will be announced through official channels in due course.

“NEC Lagos State Office has also provided a QR code to help voters locate designated PVC collection centres. I encourage eligible voters to collect their cards promptly and safeguard them, as the PVC remains essential for accreditation on Election Day,” he noted.

Salami revealed plans by the commission to ensure that vote-buying won’t be tolerated in next year’s election saying “The Commission is strengthening election risk-management measures and collaborating with the EFCC, ICPC, NEIU and Federal Ministry of Justice to address vote buying, illicit campaign financing and other electoral offences.

“Engagement with political parties on financial reporting, auditing and campaign finance compliance will be intensified between 28th October28,2026 and 1st January 1,2027.

“I appeal to political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the law.

“The increasing spread of misinformation, disinformation, deepfakes and A-generated content poses a serious challenge to public confidence in elections.

“I therefore, urge media organisations to verify electoral information through official INEC channels before publication, particularly information concerning electoral procedures, Commission decisions and election results.

“Unofficial projections and privately collated figures must not be presented as results formally declared by authorised electoral officials.

“The Commission values your partnership in ensuring accurate and responsible reporting.

“The Media Accreditation Portal is expected to become operational before the end of October 2026, with further guidelines to be communicated through official channels.

“Preparations are equally advancing for the recruitment, training and deployment electoral personnel.”

Professor Salami also revealed a planned Mock accreditation and election simulation exercise in November to fully test the readiness of the commission.

“Mock accreditation and election simulation exercise is also scheduled for November 2026, to further assess readiness.

“Equally important is the logistical preparation required for the elections. Nationwide, personnel and materials will be deployed across 176,846 Polling Units and 8,809 Registration Areas, supported by over 100,000 vehicles and approximately 4,000 boats.

“Sensitive materials are expected to reach local government areas 72 hours before Election Day, with deployment to Registration Area Centres and Super Registration Area Centres Completed by 4:00 p.m. on the eve of the election.

“In Lagos State, our preparations take account of population density, traffic conditions, riverine communities and other logistical challenges.

“Attention is being given to transportation, storage, electoral facilities, personnel deployment and contingency arrangements to ensure that polling units are rowdy to commence activities as scheduled,” he said.

Speaking on voter education and accessibility measures, Professor Salami said; “Voter education and inclusive participation also remain our priorities.

“Through the VEP 2027 Election Project Plan, the Commission is expanding grassroots engagement, particularly among women, young people and persons with disabilities.

“Activities include community meetings, engagements with tertiary institutions, public debates, mobile cinema and collaboration with the National Orientation Agency.

“Accessibility measures include Braille materials, EC30 posters, magnifying glasses and sign-language interpretation at State Collation Centres.

“In Lagos State, voter education will continue across communities, markets, educational institutions, religious organisations and other relevant platforms. Improvements are also being made to electronic result transmission and management.

“Security remains integral to these arrangements. The Nigeria Police Force, as the lead agency, continues to coordinate with other security and intelligence agencies through the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).”

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