The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has completed the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the upcoming Ekiti State governorship election, with more than 1.02 million registered voters successfully collecting their cards.
According to the commission, the total number of registered voters in the state rose from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026 following the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and subsequent updates to the voter register.
INEC disclosed that 1,028,929 PVCs were collected, representing 97.1 percent of the registered voting population. The figure slightly surpasses the turnout recorded during the 2023 governorship election, when 958,052 voters collected their cards.
The commission explained that the PVC collection exercise was extended beyond its original deadline to allow more eligible voters the opportunity to obtain their cards before the election.
INEC stated that all eligible applicants, including newly registered voters, those who transferred their voter registration to Ekiti State, and individuals who applied for replacement cards, had their PVCs produced and made available for collection.
The electoral body revealed that it processed 14,406 requests for replacement PVCs from voters whose cards were lost, damaged, or defaced. All replacement cards were successfully produced, with most beneficiaries already collecting them.
However, INEC noted that plans to introduce a downloadable voter card option could not be implemented for the Ekiti election because the necessary technological infrastructure is still being finalized.
The commission expressed optimism that the digital voter card initiative would be ready for future elections, including the upcoming Osun State governorship poll and the 2027 general elections.
INEC also appreciated the support of traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society groups, political parties and media organisations for their efforts in encouraging voter participation and PVC collection.
As the governorship election approaches, the commission urged eligible voters to turn out peacefully and exercise their democratic rights, while reaffirming its commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process.
