The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says 1,028,929 out of 1,059,360 registered voters in Ekiti have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja following the completion of PVC distribution in the state.
Haruna noted that after the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state on Thursday, May 15, and the subsequent update of the voters’ register, the number of registered voters in the state increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.
“Similarly, the number of PVCs collected rose from 958,052 in 2023, representing a collection rate of 97.0 per cent, to 1,028,929 in 2026, representing 97.1 per cent of registered voters,” he said.
Haruna recalled that the PVC collection exercise, initially expected to end on June 11, was extended to June 14 after consultations with stakeholders at a meeting in Ado-Ekiti.
He also said that in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, the commission provided for replacement PVCs in cases of loss, damage, or defacement of original cards.
He stated that under this arrangement, 14,406 applications were received within the stipulated period, and all replacement PVCs were produced, with most already collected.
“The option of a downloadable copy of the lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be implemented in this election because the necessary technology infrastructure for this is yet to be completed.
“The option would be available to voters in subsequent elections, especially the Osun Governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 general election,” he said.
Haruna appreciated the support of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, and the media, in encouraging citizens to collect their PVCs and prepare for the election.
He further noted that for the Ekiti governorship election, all PVCs had been printed and made available to eligible voters, including those who requested transfers or replacements of lost, damaged, or defaced cards.
He said a detailed breakdown of PVC collection by local government area had been uploaded on the commission’s official website and social media platforms.
Haruna urged all registered voters who had collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on election day.
He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive governorship election.