The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents of Enugu State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them vote during the 2027 general elections.
The commission also called on those who recently turned 18 to register for the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state.
Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Enugu.
Chukwu disclosed that uncollected cards remained available and could be picked up at designated registration centres including ward locations during ongoing rotations.
“If you registered before and have not collected your PVC, this is the time to do so,” he said.
Chukwu emphasised that possession of a valid PVC was essential for participation in the elections, describing it as a citizen’s “tool” for choosing leaders.
He called on residents to take advantage of the ongoing free registration and avoid last-minute rush.
“Come out now that the opportunity is available; registration is free.
“It is your civic right to participate in choosing your leaders,” he urged residents.
He clarified that the CVR portal would not end abruptly but would be paused periodically in line with phases of the exercise.
He said that voter registration would continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He added that the exercise also accommodated fresh registrations, data updates, and transfer of voter details for individuals who have relocated.
“In Nigeria, anyone who is 18 years and above has the right to register.
“Those who have issues during previous elections, such as incorrect details or unreadable data, can update their information,” Chukwu said.
He explained that the current CVR was part of a phased process that began nationwide on Aug. 18, 2025, and initially ended on Dec. 10, 2025.
According to him, the exercise has now entered its second phase, which commenced on Jan. 5 and is expected to run until April 17, 2026.
The REC noted that after each registration phase, INEC conducted a “claims and objections” period, during which registrants verify and correct their details before final processing.
“We are currently rotating registration across the 260 wards in Enugu State, alongside activities at the state and local government offices,” he said.
Chukwu added that the commission had deployed mobile intervention teams to areas experiencing large turnout to ensure that all eligible citizens were captured in the registration process.
He further disclosed that INEC had intensified voter education campaigns across markets, churches and communities to raise awareness about the exercise.
He revealed that the commission had no major challenges, noting that registration equipment and personnel were adequately deployed across the state.
Chukwu reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters in Enugu State were duly registered and issued their PVCs ahead of future elections.