The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by one week, warning that inadequate public awareness could disenfranchise millions of eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The association proposed that the ongoing display of the preliminary voters’ register and PVC collection exercise, scheduled to end on October 15, 2026, be extended to October 22 to enable more registered voters, particularly those in rural communities, pastoral settlements and internally displaced persons’ (IDPs) camps in Northern Nigeria, to collect their cards.
In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, KACRAN expressed concern that many Nigerians who registered online or physically between August 18 and December 10, 2025, remained unaware of the exercise and the approaching deadline.
The association noted that residents of major cities and towns had greater access to information through newspapers, electronic media and social media, while many people in remote rural communities and pastoral settlements remained inadequately informed.
KACRAN said it had spent months mobilising its members who lacked PVCs to participate in the voter registration exercise but feared that many of those who successfully registered might lose the opportunity to collect their cards because of limited awareness.
It also drew attention to the challenges confronting thousands of internally displaced persons across Northern Nigeria, explaining that many had registered as voters after fleeing their communities but could struggle to collect their PVCs due to insufficient information about collection centres and designated ward headquarters.
According to the association, extending the deadline by seven days would provide a critical opportunity to intensify public enlightenment, reach underserved communities and ensure that more eligible voters obtained their cards before the 2027 elections.
KACRAN stressed that PVC collection remained essential to meaningful participation in the electoral process, insisting that every eligible Nigerian should have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
The association also criticised politicians for focusing largely on campaigns and the selection of preferred candidates while paying inadequate attention to mobilising eligible voters who were yet to collect their PVCs.
It urged INEC to consider the request urgently, warning that failure to extend the deadline could leave many registered Nigerians unable to participate effectively in the forthcoming elections.
Beyond its appeal to the electoral commission, KACRAN called on the 19 Northern governors to declare Monday, October 19, and Tuesday, October 20, 2026, work-free days if INEC approves the proposed extension.
The association said the two days should be dedicated to intensive public enlightenment and voter mobilisation across the region, with particular emphasis on ensuring that all registered voters whose PVCs were ready collected them at their designated ward headquarters.
It further appealed to print and electronic media organisations, as well as social media platforms, to strengthen awareness campaigns and disseminate timely, accurate information on PVC collection locations and deadlines.
KACRAN also urged all registered Nigerians whose PVCs were available to collect them without delay, cautioning that failure to do so could result in avoidable disappointment during the 2027 general elections.
The association reaffirmed its readiness to participate actively in the electoral process and support the emergence of leaders committed to justice, fairness and the interests of all Nigerians.
