The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged residents of Enugu State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to enable them to 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.

Chukwuemeka Chukwu, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Enugu State, made the call in an interview with journalists on Monday in Enugu.

Mr Chukwu disclosed that uncollected cards remain 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.

Mr Chukwu emphasised that possession of a valid PVC is 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 a 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 the phases of the exercise.

He said voter registration would continue ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He added that the exercise also accommodates fresh registrations, data updates, and the 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,” Mr Chukwu said.

He explained that the current CVR is part of a phased process that began nationwide on August 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 conducts 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.

Mr Chukwu added that the commission had deployed mobile intervention teams to areas experiencing large turnouts to ensure that all eligible citizens are captured in the registration process.

He further disclosed that INEC has intensified voter education campaigns across markets, churches, and communities to raise awareness about the exercise.

He revealed that the commission has faced no major challenges, noting that registration equipment and personnel are adequately deployed across the state.

Mr Chukwu reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters in Enugu State are duly registered and issued their PVCs ahead of future elections. 

(NAN)