The Independent National Electoral Commission has called on stakeholders in Ekiti State to support efforts to sensitise residents on the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made the appeal in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday, urging registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs, including newly registered voters, to visit their registration areas and wards to obtain their cards.

Omoseyindemi said the PVC collection exercise, which commenced on June 2, would end on June 11, 2026.

He reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election in the state scheduled for June 20, 2026.

According to him, PVC collection is taking place at registration areas and wards across the state from June 2 to June 8, after which the exercise will continue at INEC local government offices from June 9 to June 11.

“The PVC is not merely an identification document; it is an instrument of democratic participation and a vital tool through which citizens exercise their constitutional right to vote and shape the future of their communities and the nation at large,” he said.

The REC urged community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to help create awareness and encourage eligible voters to participate in the exercise.

“INEC Ekiti State Office remains committed to conducting credible, transparent and inclusive electoral processes and therefore calls on all stakeholders, community leaders, youth groups and the general public to assist in creating awareness and encouraging eligible voters to participate in this exercise,” Omoseyindemi stated.

He added that voter registration alone was not enough, stressing that collecting PVCs remained a personal responsibility and a crucial step towards participating in the electoral process.

“Every vote counts, and every eligible voter has a role to play in strengthening our democracy,” he said.

The PVC collection exercise is part of preparations for the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for June 20, 2026.

INEC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of PVC collection, noting that only voters with valid cards will be eligible to participate in the election.

The commission has also intensified voter education and stakeholder engagement efforts to boost participation and ensure a smooth electoral process. (The PUNCH)