The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the successful completion of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) collection for the upcoming Ekiti State Governorship Election, marking a significant milestone in the electoral process. The Commission announced that the PVC collection period, originally scheduled to end on June 11, 2026, was extended to June 14, 2026, following consultations with stakeholders during a meeting in Ado-Ekiti. This extension ensured that all eligible voters had sufficient time to collect their cards before the election.
INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, revealed that after suspending the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15, 2026, and conducting a thorough cleaning of the voters’ register, the total number of registered voters in Ekiti State rose from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026. This increase reflects efforts to enhance the accuracy and integrity of the electoral roll ahead of the election.
The number of PVCs collected also saw a notable rise, growing from 958,052 in 2023—representing a 97.0 percent collection rate—to 1,028,929 in 2026, which corresponds to a 97.1 percent collection rate. This indicates strong voter participation and readiness for the election. INEC emphasized that all PVCs, including those for voters who applied for transfers or replacements due to loss, damage, or defacement, were printed and made available for collection.
In line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC received 14,406 applications for replacement PVCs within the stipulated timeframe, and all were successfully printed. Most of these replacement cards have already been collected by applicants. However, the Commission noted that the option of downloading a digital copy of lost or damaged PVCs could not be implemented for this election due to incomplete technology infrastructure. This digital option will be available in future elections, including the Osun Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
INEC has published a detailed breakdown of PVC collection by Local Government Area (LGA) on its official website and social media platforms for transparency and public access. The Commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to exercise their franchise peacefully on election day. The successful conclusion of PVC collection sets the stage for a smooth and credible electoral process in Ekiti State, reinforcing public confidence in the nation’s democratic institutions.
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