No PVC, no vote. Get yours, then guard it.
Your Permanent Voter Card is the only way to vote on 6 February 2027. Here is how to register, collect your card, find your polling unit and protect your vote peacefully.
Check your registration on INEC
Dates to remember
Source: INEC election calendar. Check INEC for the latest dates for voter registration and PVC collection.
Why your PVC matters
INEC's rule is simple: no PVC, no voting. Every voter must be physically present and verified on the BVAS device.
A vote in Somolu II decides who writes the laws on rent, transport, power and security for your street. An uncollected card is a vote nobody can cast. Elections in a single constituency can be decided by a few hundred votes.
Before election day
Register or update
Use INEC's Continuous Voter Registration portal to register, transfer or correct your details.
Collect your PVC
Collect it in person at your INEC Local Government office or designated collection centre, with your registration slip or details.
Find your polling unit
Confirm exactly where you will vote with the INEC polling unit locator. You can only vote at your registered unit.
How voting works on the day
INEC's step-by-step procedure at the polling unit.
Join the orderly queue
Arrive at your registered polling unit with your physical PVC.
Present your PVC
The Assistant Presiding Officer scans your card on the BVAS.
BVAS accreditation
Your fingerprint is verified. If that fails, facial recognition is used.
Collect your ballot
Your name is checked and marked on the register, and your ballot paper is signed, stamped and handed to you.
Thumbprint in secret
In the voting cubicle, thumbprint cleanly inside the box for your chosen party.
Cast and observe peacefully
Fold your ballot and drop it in the box. You may leave, or stay at a lawful distance to watch the open count and the announcement of results.
Source: INEC Voter Education & Guidelines. Download INEC's election procedure manual (PDF).
Defend your vote, peacefully
Protecting your vote means following the process closely and reporting problems through the right channels, never through violence.
Do
- Vote early and stay calm on the queue.
- Watch the open count from a lawful distance.
- Note the result announced at your polling unit, then compare it with the result sheet on INEC's IReV portal.
- Report irregularities to INEC officials, accredited observers or party agents.
- Keep your PVC safe. Don't sell it, lend it or surrender it to anyone.
Don't
- Sell or buy votes. Both are election offences.
- Snatch ballot boxes, threaten voters or officials, or carry weapons.
- Show your marked ballot to anyone.
- Campaign at or near the polling unit on election day.
- Spread unverified results or rumours on social media.
INEC lists election offences and penalties on its voter education page.