The exercise, which is part of preparations for the 2027 general elections, witnessed varying levels of participation across the country, with some states reporting a peaceful process while others experienced challenges, including the absence of electoral officials and difficulties locating polling units.

INEC expressed optimism that turnout would improve as the exercise progressed, noting that the first day was often characterised by low participation.

The commission announced that the collection covers fresh registrants, voters who transferred their registration, applicants seeking replacement of lost or damaged cards, and those who updated or reviewed their information in 2025. Uncollected PVCs from previous registration exercises are also available.

According to the schedule, collection at Registration Area (RA) and ward centres runs from October 9 to 15, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The exercise will subsequently move to Local Government Area (LGA) offices from October 16.

INEC also urged registered voters to scrutinise the displayed National Register of Voters and submit legitimate claims or objections during the stipulated period.

In the Federal Capital Territory, officials were present at the Government Secondary School, Area 10, Garki, to distribute PVCs, although the number of voters who turned up was low. An official attributed the turnout to the exercise's first day and advised residents to collect their cards early.

In Benue State, the exercise commenced peacefully, according to INEC's Public Affairs Officer, Peace Ogoyi. The commission said arrangements had been made to ensure a smooth process, while the Electoral Officer for Makurdi, Silas Rimdan, expressed hope that participation would increase.

Ogun State recorded a more encouraging turnout, with prospective voters describing the process as smooth and hitch-free. Some residents commended INEC for creating awareness and organising the collection exercise.

In Oyo and Ondo states, electoral officials also acknowledged low turnout but expressed confidence that more registered voters would participate before the deadline.

Ekiti State recorded a seamless process at some centres in Ado-Ekiti, where voters said their identities were verified before their PVCs were issued.

However, the situation was less encouraging in Umuahia, Abia State, where eligible voters expressed frustration over the absence of INEC officials at some designated collection centres.

At Ugba Primary School and School Road Primary School, Umuahia, Vanguard correspondents reportedly found no officials at the time of their visits. Some prospective voters alleged that they had made repeated trips without successfully collecting their cards.

One of the affected residents, Innocent Odoenelam, said he arrived at a collection centre at about 2:30 p.m. after hearing a radio announcement that the cards were ready, only to discover that officials had left before the scheduled 3 p.m. closing time.

Another voter, Francis Egwuibe, said he had visited a centre early in the morning and returned later in the day but was still unable to collect his PVC. The affected residents urged INEC to improve its arrangements to prevent unnecessary hardship.

INEC's spokesperson in Abia State, Victor Abraham, reportedly promised to respond after making inquiries but had yet to do so when the report was filed.

In Ebonyi State, turnout was also low at some centres monitored in Abakaliki, where few people checked their names on the displayed register and no PVC collection was observed during the monitoring period.

In Enugu State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Chukwuemeka Chukwu, disclosed that the state had 2,213,768 registered voters. He urged eligible residents to take advantage of the exercise rather than wait until the last minute. The exercise was reported to be progressing smoothly across the state.

Katsina State recorded varying levels of participation, with INEC officials reporting considerable turnout at some centres but below-expectation attendance at others.

In Kwara State, INEC dispatched 32,518 PVCs relating to transfers and other specified cases across the state's 16 local government areas. Some voters reported collecting their cards without difficulty.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Elizabeth Agwu, called on local government chairmen to intensify public awareness campaigns to ensure residents knew that PVC collection had commenced.

In Bayelsa State, some prospective voters encountered difficulties locating their polling units and retrieving their cards. Others reportedly discovered that their names were missing from displayed registers or were asked to return later because their applications were not covered by the current distribution phase.

Borno State's Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Ibrahim Shuaibu, said the display and distribution exercise would be conducted in phases, with the process extended to ward levels to improve access.

Across the states, electoral officials urged eligible voters to visit their designated centres during the collection period and avoid waiting until the final days.

The ongoing display of the National Register of Voters is also intended to allow registered voters to verify their details and raise legitimate claims or objections before the exercise closes.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, the commission's ability to ensure that eligible voters obtain their PVCs and verify their registration details will remain critical to facilitating participation in the electoral process.