INEC Records 97% PVC Collection Ahead Of Ekiti Poll, Boosts Election Readiness

According to Ireporter Online, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an increase in the number of registered voters in Ekiti State, rising from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026 ahead of the upcoming governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

INEC made the disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, noting that the figures followed the successful completion of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise in the state.

The commission further revealed that PVC collection figures also recorded significant growth, increasing from 958,052 in 2023 to 1,028,929 in 2026, representing a 97.0 percent collection rate and 97.1 percent of registered voters.

It explained that the PVC collection exercise, initially slated to end on June 11, 2026, was extended to June 14, 2026 following consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti. The extension, according to INEC, was aimed at ensuring more eligible voters had the opportunity to collect their cards ahead of the election.

INEC commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, and the media for their role in mobilising voters to participate in the collection exercise.

The electoral body also disclosed that it received 14,406 applications for replacement PVCs within the stipulated period, in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which provides for the replacement of lost, damaged, or defaced voter cards. It added that all requested replacement cards were printed, with most already collected by applicants.

INEC clarified that while all PVCs, including those for transfers and replacements, were made available, the option of downloading voter cards for lost or damaged ones could not be implemented for the Ekiti poll due to incomplete technological infrastructure. It, however, noted that the feature would be introduced in future elections, including the Osun governorship poll in August 2026 and the 2027 general elections.

The commission confirmed that a detailed breakdown of PVC collection across local government areas had been published on its website and official social media platforms. It also urged voters who had collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and participate in the election, reaffirming its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive governorship poll in Ekiti State.