INEC Extends PVC Collection In Ekiti To Boost Participation
The Independent National Electoral Commission has reported that 1,028,929 out of 1,059,360 registered voters in Ekiti State have collected their Permanent Voters’ Cards ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday.
Mohammed Haruna, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, disclosed the figures in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday after the conclusion of the collection exercise.
The number of registered voters in the state increased from 987,647 in the 2023 general elections to 1,059,360 in 2026 following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in May and a subsequent clean-up of the register. PVC collection also rose from 958,052 in 2023, representing a 97.0 per cent collection rate, to the current 1,028,929, or 97.1 per cent.
The collection exercise, originally set 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, INEC provided replacement cards for voters whose original PVCs were lost, damaged or defaced. A total of 14,406 applications were received and processed, with most replacements already collected.
The commission noted that the option of a downloadable copy of lost, damaged or defaced cards could not be implemented for this election due to incomplete technology infrastructure. The feature is expected to be available for the Osun governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 general elections.
INEC said all PVCs, including those for transfers and replacements, have been printed and made available to eligible voters. A detailed breakdown by local government area has been uploaded on the commission’s website and social media platforms.
Haruna commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and the media for their role in mobilising citizens. He urged all registered voters who have collected their cards to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on election day.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Ekiti State.
This development comes as INEC continues efforts to improve voter participation ahead of key polls. In the 2023 general elections, national PVC collection reached approximately 93 per cent, with several states recording rates above 95 per cent after similar clean-up exercises and extended collection periods. High collection rates have historically correlated with smoother voting processes and reduced incidents of disenfranchisement.
With the 2027 general elections approaching and the Osun governorship poll scheduled for August, the Ekiti exercise serves as a test for INEC’s preparedness, including the rollout of new digital features for card replacement. Analysts expect the commission to build on lessons from this poll to enhance voter access in future contests.