By our Reporter
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the successful conclusion of the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collection exercise ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the Commission disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026 following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15 and the subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register.
According to INEC, PVC collection also recorded significant progress, rising from 958,052 cards collected in 2023, representing a 97.0 per cent collection rate, to 1,028,929 cards collected in 2026, representing 97.1 per cent of registered voters.
The Commission recalled that the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, 2026, was extended to June 14 after consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.
INEC further revealed that in compliance with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for the replacement of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards, it received 14,406 applications within the stipulated period. The Commission stated that all replacement PVCs were successfully printed, with most of them already collected by applicants.
The electoral body noted, however, that plans to introduce a downloadable digital version of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti election because the required technological infrastructure is yet to be fully completed.
It expressed optimism that the innovation would be available for future elections, particularly the Osun State Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
INEC commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and the media for their support in mobilising citizens to collect their PVCs and prepare for the election.
The Commission also confirmed that all PVCs were printed and made available to eligible applicants, including those who applied for voter transfers and replacement cards. It added that a detailed breakdown of PVC collection across the state’s Local Government Areas has been published on its website and social media platforms.
As the election approaches, INEC urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to participate peacefully in the electoral process by casting their votes on Election Day.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election for the people of Ekiti State.
