The Independent National Electoral Commission says it has concluded the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards ahead of Saturday’s Ekiti State Governorship Election, with 1,028,929 voters collecting their PVCs out of 1,059,360 registered.
In a press statement signed by National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, INEC said the collection rate stands at 97.1%, a slight improvement from the 97.0% recorded in 2023.
The Commission suspended the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Ekiti on 15th May 2026. After cleaning the register, the number of registered voters rose from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.
Extension granted after stakeholder meeting
INEC had initially fixed 11th June as the deadline for PVC collection. Following consultations with stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti, the exercise was extended to 14th June to accommodate more voters.
14,406 replacement PVCs issued
Under Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, INEC received 14,406 applications for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs. The Commission said all 14,406 replacement cards were printed and most have been collected.
The Commission noted that the option of downloading a soft copy of lost or damaged voter cards could not be implemented for this election because the required technology infrastructure is not yet ready. INEC said the feature will be available for the Osun Governorship Election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.
All printed PVCs available
According to INEC, all PVCs printed for eligible applicants, including those who applied for transfer or replacement, have been made available. A detailed breakdown of PVC collection by Local Government Area has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.
Call for peaceful voting
The Commission appreciated traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and the media for mobilizing citizens to collect their PVCs.
INEC urged all registered voters who have collected their cards to turn out peacefully and vote on Saturday, 20th June 2026. It reassured the people of Ekiti of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election.
