The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the successful completion of the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) collection exercise ahead of the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, reporting a record-high collection rate of 97.1 percent.
According to the commission, a total of 1,028,929 PVCs were collected out of 1,059,360 registered voters across the state, indicating strong voter preparedness and participation ahead of the poll.
The update was provided in a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, , who described the figure as an improvement on the 97.0 percent collection rate recorded during the 2023 election cycle.
He noted that the slight increase reflects both improved voter engagement and administrative efficiency in the ongoing electoral process.
INEC also disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026. The update followed the suspension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on May 15, 2026, as well as a comprehensive clean-up of the voters’ register aimed at removing duplicates and ensuring accuracy.
According to the commission, the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, was extended to June 14 after consultations with political stakeholders in Ado-Ekiti. The extension allowed more eligible voters to collect their cards and ensured that last-minute applicants were not disenfranchised.
INEC further stated that it processed 14,406 applications for replacement PVCs from voters who reported lost, damaged, or defaced cards. The commission confirmed that all replacement cards were printed and made available, with a large percentage already collected by applicants before the deadline.
However, the electoral body noted that it was unable to introduce a proposed downloadable digital voter card system for the Ekiti election due to incomplete technological infrastructure. It explained that the innovation remains under development and is expected to be deployed in future elections, including the Osun State governorship poll scheduled for August 2026 and the 2027 general elections.
INEC emphasized that the current focus remains on ensuring a credible, transparent, and efficiently managed election process using established physical PVC systems while gradually transitioning toward digital solutions in subsequent electoral cycles.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti State, , assured voters of a free, fair, and credible election. He gave the assurance during the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 16 local government areas of the state at the Central Bank of Nigeria facility in Ado-Ekiti.
Omoseyindemi described the distribution process as smooth and well-coordinated, noting that all materials were dispatched under strict security supervision to ensure timely delivery to designated locations ahead of the election.
He added that adequate arrangements had been made to prevent logistical delays and safeguard the integrity of electoral materials throughout the process.
The high PVC collection rate is being viewed by electoral observers as a positive indicator of voter readiness and civic participation ahead of the governorship poll. Analysts say strong PVC collection figures often correlate with higher voter turnout, though they caution that other factors such as voter confidence, security conditions, and political engagement will also influence election-day participation.
As Ekiti prepares for the poll, attention is now focused on INEC’s operational readiness, security deployment, and the conduct of political actors, all of which are expected to play a crucial role in determining the credibility and success of the election.
The commission has reiterated its commitment to delivering an election that reflects the will of the people while strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
