The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reports that 1,028,929 out of 1,059,360 registered voters in Ekiti have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, announced this in Abuja on Wednesday, after the PVC collection period in the state concluded.
Haruna explained that following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on Thursday, May 15, and the subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register, the number of registered voters increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.
He added that PVC collection rose from 958,052 in 2023 (97.0%) to 1,028,929 in 2026 (97.1%).
The collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, was extended to June 14 after consultations with stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti.
In line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC provided replacement PVCs for voters who lost, damaged, or defaced their original cards. Haruna noted that 14,406 replacement applications were received, most of which have been collected.
The option to download a copy of lost, damaged, or defaced PVCs was not available in this election due to incomplete technological infrastructure. However, this feature will be available in future elections, including the Osun Governorship in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
Haruna praised stakeholders—traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society, political parties, and the media—for their support in mobilizing voters to collect PVCs and prepare for the election.
He confirmed that all PVCs for the Ekiti governorship election had been printed and distributed, including for those requesting transfers or replacements.
A detailed PVC collection breakdown by Local Government Area (LGA) is available on INEC’s website and social media.
Haruna urged voters to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on election day, reaffirming INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election.
