The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the successful conclusion of the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
According to a statement issued by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee , the number of registered voters in the 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.
INEC disclosed that PVC collection also rose 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. The Commission noted that the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, 2026, was extended to June 14 after consultations with stakeholders at a meeting in Ado Ekiti.
The electoral body further revealed that 14,406 applications for the replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs were received within the stipulated period in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. It stated that all 14,406 replacement cards were printed, with the majority already collected by applicants.
Haruna explained that the planned option of providing downloadable copies of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti election because the required technology infrastructure is yet to be completed.
However, the Commission said the initiative 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 the media for supporting efforts to mobilise citizens to collect their PVCs and prepare for the election.
INEC also stated that all PVCs for eligible applicants were printed and made available, including those who applied for voter transfers and replacement cards. It added that a detailed breakdown of PVC collection by Local Government Area (LGA) has been published on its website and social media platforms.
Reaffirming its commitment to a free, fair, credible and inclusive election, the Commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on election day.
