The State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Akwa Ibom Directorate, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, has called on residents of Akwa Ibom State who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to take advantage of the forthcoming distribution exercise and collect their cards.
Mr. Mkpoutom made the appeal as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares to commence the distribution of PVCs from October 9, 2026, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The State Director made the call while sensitizing Association of Heads of Federal Establishments in the state earlier today. He explained that voter education and citizens’ participation are important parts of building a strong democratic process.
According to him, citizens should not wait until the last minute before taking steps to ensure that they are ready to participate in the electoral process. He encouraged eligible residents who have completed the necessary registration processes but are yet to collect their PVCs to make it a priority to do so when the distribution exercise begins.
Mr. Mkpoutom stressed that the PVC gives eligible citizens the opportunity to exercise their civic responsibility during elections. He therefore urged residents to keep themselves properly informed and to obtain information concerning the collection process from INEC and other authorised sources rather than relying on rumours or unverified information on social media.
He also appealed to heads of federal establishments, community leaders, youth organisations, student bodies and other stakeholders to assist in spreading the message and encouraging eligible citizens within their various communities and organisations to collect their PVCs.
The State Director noted that the responsibility for a peaceful and credible electoral process does not rest on INEC or government agencies alone, but requires the cooperation and active participation of citizens.
The appeal was also made when a cross-section of student leaders paid a courtesy visit to the State Director in his office.
Receiving the students, Mr. Mkpoutom encouraged them to see themselves as important partners in promoting responsible citizenship and peaceful democratic participation. He urged them to use their positions as student leaders to educate their fellow students on the importance of obtaining their PVCs and participating responsibly in the electoral process.
He cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used as political thugs to cause violence, spread hate speech or circulate false information during the election period. Instead, he encouraged them to embrace dialogue, tolerance, peaceful participation and issue-based political engagement.
The State Director further urged the students to become ambassadors of peace and responsible citizenship in their various institutions and communities, stressing that the future of the country depends largely on the choices and actions of its young people.