The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the successful conclusion of the Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) collection exercise ahead of the Ekiti State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, the commission disclosed that the number of registered voters in the state increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026 following the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and subsequent clean-up of the voters’ register.

INEC also revealed that PVC collection rose from 958,052 in 2023, representing a collection rate of 97.0 per cent, to 1,028,929 in 2026, accounting for 97.1 per cent of registered voters.

The commission noted that the PVC collection exercise, initially scheduled to end on June 11, was extended to June 14 following consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

According to INEC, 14,406 applications were received for the replacement of lost, damaged or defaced voter cards in line with the provisions of Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026. The commission stated that all replacement PVCs were successfully printed, with the majority already collected by applicants.

INEC, 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 technological infrastructure.

The commission said the innovation is expected to be available for future elections, including the Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.

INEC commended traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties and media organisations for supporting voter mobilisation efforts and encouraging residents to collect their PVCs.

The electoral body further stated that all eligible applicants, including those who requested voter transfers and replacement cards, had their PVCs printed and made available for collection.

As preparations for the election enter the final stage, INEC urged registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully on election day and exercise their constitutional right to vote.

The commission also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election in Ekiti State.