By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, has called on political parties, civil society organisations, the media and other electoral stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment on Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Umoren stressed the need for eligible voters to collect their PVCs through officially designated INEC channels and at the appropriate collection centres within their registration areas, rather than relying on unauthorised persons or misleading information.
The REC made the call on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during an enlarged stakeholders’ engagement on preparations for the forthcoming general elections in Delta State.
He urged prospective voters to seek clarification from INEC offices and other authorised communication channels whenever they encounter difficulties or require information concerning voter registration, PVC collection and other electoral procedures.
He cautioned against misinformation, administrative confusion and unnecessary interference that could discourage eligible citizens from collecting their cards.
Umoren also urged stakeholders to discourage multiple voter registration, impersonation, unlawful possession of voter cards and other electoral offences capable of compromising the credibility of the electoral process.
He warned that unlawful possession of another person’s voter card and other related electoral violations attract stiff penalties, including 12 months’ imprisonment, a maximum fine of N5 million, or both, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the law.
According to him, the commission’s objective is to ensure that eligible voters are adequately informed, the voters’ register remains credible and necessary arrangements are made for citizens to exercise their constitutional voting rights without hindrance.
Technology, Transparency and Electoral Credibility
Addressing the technological framework for the 2027 elections, the REC described technology as an increasingly indispensable component of modern electoral administration.
He said INEC was strengthening its deployment of technology to enhance voter accreditation, results management and transparency throughout the electoral process.
He identified the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as important components of the commission’s technological architecture.
Umoren explained that the effective deployment of these platforms would improve compliance with electoral procedures, strengthen accountability and provide greater transparency in the conduct of elections.
However, he noted that the effectiveness of electoral technology depended largely on the infrastructure, personnel capacity and operational procedures supporting its deployment.
He disclosed that the commission had outlined further testing, training and accreditation-related exercises as part of its nationwide preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The REC therefore charged electoral personnel in Delta State to undergo the necessary training and testing, while ensuring that identified technical deficiencies were promptly reported and addressed.
He also called on political parties and their agents to familiarise themselves with the relevant technological procedures and educate their supporters on how the systems contribute to electoral transparency.
The media and civil society organisations, he added, must play active roles in educating citizens on the appropriate use, capabilities and limitations of electoral technology.
Umoren cautioned stakeholders against spreading unverified claims whenever technical concerns arise, urging them instead to rely on credible information and established reporting channels.
He maintained that technology should strengthen public confidence in the electoral process rather than become a source of confusion, misinformation or unnecessary controversy.
REC Demands Early Logistics, Infrastructure Preparedness
On logistics and operational readiness, the Delta REC described election administration as one of the most extensive and demanding exercises undertaken by public institutions, requiring the coordinated movement of personnel, materials, equipment and other resources across different locations.
He observed that Delta State’s geographical and infrastructural peculiarities, including urban centres, rural communities and riverine settlements, presented specific logistical challenges that required careful planning and early assessment.
According to him, these realities make accurate location assessments and timely operational preparations indispensable to the successful conduct of elections.
He consequently directed electoral officers to ensure comprehensive readiness assessments of INEC local government area offices and relevant registration area centres across the state.
The assessments, he said, should cover the condition of office facilities, storage arrangements, power supply, generators, communication equipment, accessibility and the general suitability of facilities designated for election operations.
He particularly emphasised the need for proper scrutiny, security and handling of electoral materials, insisting that the movement of both sensitive and non-sensitive materials must strictly follow the commission’s approved procedures and timelines.
The REC further stressed the importance of clearly defined responsibilities at every stage of the logistical chain to prevent avoidable lapses and ensure operational accountability.
He called on all electoral stakeholders to support the commission’s preparations by promoting peaceful participation, responsible public engagement and strict adherence to electoral laws.
Umoren maintained that credible elections required not only adequate institutional preparations but also the cooperation of political parties, security agencies, the media, civil society organisations and the electorate.
He urged all stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring that the 2027 general elections are conducted in an atmosphere of transparency, orderliness and public confidence.
