…Starts PVC Distribution in FCT Before February 21 Council Polls. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that as of January 16, 2026, a total of 35,904 people had registered to vote nationwide, concluding the second week of Phase Two of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Youths and women make up most of
…Starts PVC Distribution in FCT Before February 21 Council Polls.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that as of January 16, 2026, a total of 35,904 people had registered to vote nationwide, concluding the second week of Phase Two of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Youths and women make up most of the new registrants across the country.
Official data released on Tuesday shows that the commission recorded 29,582 completed online pre-registrations and 6,322 physical registrations. This highlights the importance of the online registration process and the ongoing preference for INEC’s digital platform, especially among younger Nigerians.
The electoral commission began the second phase of registration on January 5th, following the first phase, which ran from August 18th to December 10th, 2025, and resulted in 9,891,801 registrations. Between these two phases, the commission conducted legal procedures, such as displaying the voter register for claims and objections.
During the exercise, women made up 54% of voter registrations (19,438), surpassing men at 46% (16,466), reflecting continued strong female participation nationwide.
The data further indicate that youths aged 18–34 dominate the registration exercise, accounting for 25,096 registrants or 69.90 per cent of the total.
The 35–49 age group recorded 7,711 registrants, which is 21.48%, while 2,804 persons aged 50–69 7.81% completed registration. Only 293 registrants aged 70 and above 0.82% were recorded.
769 Persons with Disabilities Registered
INEC also recorded 769 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) among the new registrants. The largest classification fell under “Others” with 500 registrants (65.02%), followed by albinism (70) and physical impairment (65).
Lagos, Jigawa, Sokoto Lead Registration Figures
Lagos State had the most new voters with 3,755 registrations (10.46% of the national total), followed by Jigawa with 3,704 (10.32%), and Sokoto with 3,629 (10.11%).
Other states with notable figures include Delta (2,733 – 7.61%), Kano (2,528 – 7.04%), Zamfara (2,059 – 5.73%), Kaduna (2,111 – 5.88%) and Katsina (1,955 – 5.45%).
Several states had low participation: Anambra recorded one registration, Imo four, Ebonyi nineteen, and Abia twenty-one—the lowest numbers in the period.
INEC noted that registration in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains suspended pending the Area Council Elections scheduled for 21 February 2026, in line with Section 9(6) of the Electoral Act 2022.
INEC Starts PVC Distribution in FCT for February 21 Council Elections
The Independent National Electoral Commission has started distributing Permanent Voter Cards for the February 21 Area Council elections in the Federal Capital Territory.
The commission announced on its official X account on Tuesday that eligible voters in the FCT should collect their PVCs. The collection will occur at each voter’s Registration Area (ward) from January 22 to January 26, between 9 am and 3 pm daily.
INEC stated that eligible voters who miss the ward collection period for their PVCs can collect them later at INEC Area Council offices in the FCT.
The statement reads, “Dear #FCT Resident, as we prepare for the February 21st Area Council Election, INEC is bringing your PVC closer to you. Don’t miss the chance to collect your PVC in the FCT.
“From Jan 22–26, 9 am –3 pm daily, visit your Registration Area (Ward) to collect your Permanent Voter Card (PVC). After the 26th, collection continues at INEC Area Council Offices.”
