By Ademu Idakwo, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says a total of 1,028,929 Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected across Ekiti State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, representing 97.1 per cent of registered voters and a slight increase from the figures recorded in 2023.
INEC disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna.
According to the Commission, the number of registered voters in Ekiti State increased from 987,647 recorded in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026 following the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15 and the subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register.
The Commission noted that the 2026 collection figure surpassed the 958,052 PVCs collected in 2023, which represented a 97.0 per cent collection rate.
INEC recalled that the PVC collection exercise, originally scheduled to end on June 11, was extended to June 14 after consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.
On replacement of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards, the Commission said it received 14,406 applications within the approved timeline and printed all replacement PVCs, adding that most had already been collected.
The electoral body, however, explained that plans to introduce downloadable copies of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti election due to incomplete technology infrastructure.
It added that the option is expected to become available in future elections, particularly for the Osun Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
INEC commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and members of the media for supporting voter mobilisation and encouraging citizens to collect their PVCs.
The Commission further stated that all PVCs for eligible applicants were printed and made available, including for those who requested transfers or replacement of damaged or lost cards.
INEC said a detailed breakdown of PVC collection across all Local Government Areas in Ekiti State has been uploaded to its website and social media platforms.
The Commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to participate peacefully in the election and reassured residents of Ekiti State of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship poll.
