The [Independent National Electoral Commission](https://www.inecnigeria.org) disclosed that 29,314 permanent voter cards (PVCs) have not been collected in Taraba State as the 2027 general elections draw nearer.
**What are the numbers?**
- The unclaimed cards consist of 13,826 old PVCs issued between 2011 and 2023 and 15,488 cards produced during the first phase of the 2025 voter registration drive.
- Of the 15,568 old PVCs received by the commission, only 1,742 (about 11%) have been picked up.
- From the 31,676 new cards supplied in the first phase of the 2025 registration exercise, 16,188 (roughly 51%) have been collected.
**Why is collection low?**
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Sa’ad Idris attributed the modest uptake to insufficient voter sensitisation. He called on political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to intensify efforts to encourage eligible voters to retrieve their cards.
**When and where will distribution continue?**
INEC announced that PVC distribution will persist at its offices across Taraba’s 16 local government areas from 19 October to 30 November, operating weekdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., excluding public holidays. A final round of distribution is scheduled at the Registration Area level from 1 to 7 December, covering all registration phases, transfers and replacements requested between 18 August 2025 and 26 July 2026.
**What is the current voter register size?**
During a display of the Preliminary Register of Voters and the claims‑and‑objections exercise held from 9 to 15 October 2026, the commission revealed a provisional figure of 2,254,380 registered voters. The number remains tentative pending the resolution of public complaints, with a final count to be released after data integration is completed.
**How is INEC preparing for the 2027 elections?**
The commission has begun renovating several offices, training staff and mapping electoral facilities throughout the state to ensure smooth polling arrangements. Testing of the [Bimodal Voter Accreditation System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bimodal_Voter_Accreditation_System) is complete, and a mock accreditation exercise is slated for November to assess the technology’s readiness.
**What about election staff recruitment?**
Recruitment of election officials started on 18 September 2026, with the commission urging qualified Nigerians to apply via its recruitment portal before the 18 November deadline.
**How is transportation being handled?**
INEC is working with the [National Union of Road Transport Workers](https://nurtw.org.ng) to arrange vehicle hire and logistics, aiming to move election personnel and materials across the state in a timely manner.
**What security measures are in place?**
Taraba State Commissioner of Police Edwin Ogbeghagha assured political parties that the police will remain neutral throughout the 2027 elections, warning against any violence or actions that could disrupt the process. He emphasized cooperation between security agencies, political parties and other stakeholders to guarantee a peaceful election environment before, during and after the polls.
**What role do traditional leaders play?**
The Aku Uka of Wukari, Ishaku Ali, reiterated the commitment of traditional institutions to remain non‑partisan while encouraging residents to fulfil their civic duties and support a peaceful electoral process.
**What is the broader stakeholder perspective?**
Inter‑Party Advisory Council (IPAC) Director‑General Kuriya Tafarki praised INEC’s effort to bring together parties, security agencies, civil society and other actors ahead of the elections. He called for sustained engagement to address grievances, prompt response to complaints, and careful deployment of personnel familiar with local languages and community dynamics.