PVC Registration: Applicants decry long waits at INEC FCT Office

In recent weeks, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued its nationwide effort to update and expand the voter registry under the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) program. In Imo State alone, over 11,800 new voters have successfully registered during the ongoing exercise, marking another significant milestone in the commission's mission to ensure electoral inclusivity and accuracy. This achievement comes amid broader national discussions about the efficiency and accessibility of the registration process, particularly in areas experiencing high demand and logistical challenges.

The CVR exercise, currently in its third and final physical phase, commenced on May 11, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on July 10, 2026. During this period, INEC has been actively engaging with citizens across the country, aiming to enroll eligible individuals who may have previously been unregistered or whose information requires updating. In Imo, the state office reported the registration of 11,839 new voters, highlighting the region's active participation in the process. Officials have encouraged more residents to take advantage of the opportunity to register, emphasizing the importance of having up-to-date records for future elections.

Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the situation has taken a different turn. Prospective voters have voiced concerns over the inefficiencies experienced at the INEC FCT office in Area 10. Long queues, overcrowded spaces, and extended waiting times have led to frustration among applicants. These issues have been exacerbated by occasional technical difficulties, including network failures, which have disrupted the smooth operation of the registration process. Despite these challenges, the commission has managed to register nearly 14,000 individuals in the FCT as of the latest reports.

The administrative secretary of INEC in the FCT, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, acknowledged the difficulties faced by applicants while expressing confidence in the progress made so far. She noted that while network disruptions had initially hindered operations, these problems have since been resolved. However, she admitted that the shortage of registration machines remains a pressing issue, particularly at the Area 10 office where the volume of applicants has exceeded capacity. To address this, the commission is exploring options such as deploying additional devices and establishing larger registration centers to accommodate the growing demand.

Oladunjoye also emphasized the need for greater utilization of INEC’s online self-service platform, which allows voters to handle tasks such as transfers, PVC reprints, and data corrections remotely. This approach is intended to reduce the burden on physical offices and minimize the inconvenience faced by applicants. Additionally, mobile registration teams have been dispatched to various communities within the FCT to reach voters who may face barriers in accessing centralized locations.

The experiences of individuals such as Mazi Jideofor, an entrepreneur who encountered lengthy wait times, underscore the emotional impact of these logistical hurdles. His comments reflect a common sentiment among applicants who feel that the registration process could benefit from improved technology and better resource allocation. Similarly, a young woman who sought to verify her PVC availability in Ondo State highlighted the importance of clear communication and streamlined procedures.

Looking ahead, INEC officials remain committed to resolving the current challenges and ensuring that all eligible citizens can complete their registration without undue hardship. With the CVR exercise nearing its conclusion, the focus will shift towards consolidating the data collected and preparing for the upcoming elections. As the commission works to enhance its operational capabilities, the voices of those directly impacted by the process will continue to shape the direction of future reforms.