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, with a total collection rate of 97.1 per cent.
According to an official signed statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, 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, 2026, and the subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register.
Haruna disclosed that the number of PVCs collected also rose significantly from 958,052 in 2023, representing a collection rate of 97.0 per cent, to 1,028,929 in 2026, accounting for 97.1 per cent of registered voters in the state.
He recalled that the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, 2026, was extended to June 14, 2026, after consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.
The statement further revealed that in compliance with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which mandates the Commission to provide replacement PVCs for voters whose cards were lost, damaged or defaced, INEC received 14,406 applications within the stipulated period. All replacement cards were subsequently produced, with the majority already collected by applicants.
INEC also explained that plans to introduce a downloadable version of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti governorship election because the required technological infrastructure is yet to be completed. The Commission, however, assured voters that the innovation would be available for future elections, including the Osun State Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
The Commission commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and media organisations for supporting voter mobilisation efforts and encouraging eligible citizens to collect their PVCs ahead of the election.
INEC stated that all PVCs for eligible applicants, including those who applied for transfers or replacement cards, were printed and made available for collection. It added that a detailed breakdown of PVC collection across the 16 Local Government Areas of Ekiti State has been published on its website and social media platforms.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible elections, the Commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to participate peacefully in the election and exercise their democratic rights, while assuring the people of Ekiti State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship poll.
