The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said the number of registered voters in Ekiti State has increased from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026.

A statement by Mohammed Haruna, the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, on Wednesday, also noted that the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) collected has risen from 958,052 in 2023 to 1,028,929 in 2026, representing a collection rate of 97.0 per cent, and 97.1 per cent of registered voters.

The data were announced as INEC said it had “successfully” concluded the collection of Permanent PVCs, ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 20th June 2026.

Recall that the PVC collection exercise, originally scheduled to end on 11th June 2026, was extended to 14th June 2026, following consultations with stakeholders at a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.

With regards to Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which requires the Commission to make available to registered voters replacement PVCs in the event of the loss, INEC said damage, or defacement of their original PVC, totaling 14,406 applications were received within the stipulated time, and all 14,406 replacement PVCs were printed, most of which have been collected.

“The option of a downloadable copy of the lost, damaged, or defaced Voter Cards could not be implemented in this election because the necessary technology infrastructure for this is yet to be completed.

“The option would be available to voters in subsequent elections, especially the Osun Governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.”

The Commission appreciated the support of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, and the media, in mobilising citizens to collect their PVCs and prepare for the forthcoming election.

For the Ekiti State Governorship Election, INEC noted that all the PVCs were printed and made available for all eligible applicants, including those who requested a transfer, or applied for the replacement of lost, damaged or defaced cards.

“A detailed breakdown of PVC collection by Local Government Area (LGA) has been uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms”, the statement added.

The Commission urged all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on Election Day.

It reassured the people of Ekiti State of its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive governorship election. (Channels)

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