The Independent National Electoral Commission has raised concern over about 95,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards in Plateau State and says it is preparing arrangements that could allow internally displaced persons to vote in nine local government areas during the 2027 elections.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Sam Egwu disclosed the figures during a readiness meeting with political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders in Jos.
Egwu said some of the unclaimed cards might belong to people who had relocated or completed temporary assignments in the state, including former National Youth Service Corps members.
He urged eligible voters to check INEC offices in their local government areas and collect their cards.
The commission is also examining special voting arrangements for displaced persons affected by communal violence and insecurity.
The nine local government areas identified are Bassa, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Riyom, Jos North, Jos South, Mangu, Kanam and Wase.
Egwu said Nigeria’s commitments on internal displacement required electoral authorities to ensure that citizens forced from their homes were not automatically disenfranchised.
The final scope of the IDP voting arrangement will depend on conditions closer to the election and INEC’s operational assessment.
The Plateau REC said political parties and civil society organizations also had a role in public enlightenment and voter mobilization.
INEC’s immediate challenge is to reduce the large stock of uncollected PVCs while preparing credible voting arrangements for communities affected by displacement.
