Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is seeking stakeholder support to increase Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection in Ekiti State [1].
Ensuring a high volume of collected PVCs is critical for the legitimacy and inclusivity of the upcoming regional vote. Without these cards, eligible citizens cannot participate in the electoral process, potentially lowering turnout and affecting the credibility of the results.
Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Bunmi Omoseyindemi said local leaders and stakeholders should help sensitize the electorate. The effort aims to ensure that residents retrieve their cards before the collection deadline of June 11, 2024 [1].
Omoseyindemi said, "Stakeholders must join us in sensitising the electorate to collect their PVCs before the June 11 deadline" [1].
The push for voter registration and card collection comes as the state prepares for the governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026 [2]. The commission said that community involvement is necessary to reach all eligible voters across the state.
Omoseyindemi said, "We are committed to the conduct of a credible and inclusive governorship election in the state on June 20" [2].
The drive focuses on removing barriers to PVC collection, as the commission seeks to maximize voter participation. This collaborative approach between the government and local stakeholders is intended to prevent last-minute rushes, and administrative bottlenecks at collection centers.
“Stakeholders must join us in sensitising the electorate to collect their PVCs before the June 11 deadline.”
The urgency of the PVC collection drive highlights the ongoing challenge of voter mobilization in Nigeria. By relying on local stakeholders rather than solely on official government channels, INEC is attempting to bridge the gap between the electoral commission and the rural or underserved populations of Ekiti State to ensure the 2026 governorship election reflects a broad democratic mandate.
