The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that more than 1.58 million voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of Saturday’s area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

INEC stated that 1,680,315 people registered for the polls, with 1,587,025 PVCs collected as of February 10, signaling strong voter preparedness.

The commission emphasized that only voters with valid PVCs will be allowed to cast their ballots.

All six FCT area councils recorded high PVC collection rates, with Kuje leading the turnout, followed closely by Abaji, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kwali, and Abuja Municipal.

The elections will be conducted using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in all polling units, with results to be transmitted electronically.

“Only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be allowed to vote,” INEC reiterated in a statement on Friday.

Voters are set to elect chairmen and councillors across the six area councils.

Security agencies have been deployed to maintain order, and movement restrictions are expected during voting hours to ensure a peaceful process.

The commission described the high PVC collection as an indicator of citizens’ commitment to participating in the democratic process.

INEC urged all eligible voters to ensure they possess their PVCs on election day to exercise their voting rights.