The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has ended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.
INEC announced the suspension in a statement issued on Saturday by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Commission’s Information and Voter Education Committee.
According to the electoral body, the decision will allow it to complete the compilation of data on downloaded and collected PVCs and establish the final number of voters who obtained their cards before the election.
INEC also reminded voters who applied for replacement of lost, damaged or defaced PVCs that they must print their downloadable voter cards by midnight on Sunday, August 9.
How the PVC Collection Exercise Progressed
The PVC collection exercise began at the Registration Area level on July 22 and was initially scheduled to end on July 28.
However, INEC extended the exercise to July 31 following complaints from voters about overcrowding and difficulties at some collection centres.
The commission said the process subsequently moved to the local government level, where collection continued from August 1 to August 7.
INEC explained that ending the exercise would give it sufficient time to consolidate the figures and complete preparations for the August 15 governorship election.
INEC Addresses Stolen PVCs
The electoral commission also disclosed that replacement downloadable PVCs had been made available to affected voters in Odo-Otin and Ife Central Local Government Areas.
The affected voters reportedly lost access to their original cards after hoodlums invaded two PVC collection centres and stole the cards.
INEC urged those affected to obtain and print their replacement downloadable cards before the August 9 deadline.
The commission also assured voters that the stolen PVCs could not be used to cast ballots during the election.
INEC Assures Osun Voters of Election Readiness
With the election approaching, INEC said it was fully prepared to conduct the Osun State governorship poll.
The commission reiterated its commitment to delivering a free, fair, credible and inclusive election on August 15.
The election is expected to attract significant attention as political parties and their candidates conclude campaigns and mobilise supporters across the state.
INEC Extends Deadline for 2027 Candidate Lists
Separately, INEC has extended the deadline for political parties to upload their lists of candidates for the governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections scheduled for the February 2027 General Election.
Haruna said the deadline, which was initially set for Saturday, August 8, has now been moved to Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
He explained that the extension followed requests from political parties seeking additional time to complete the candidate submission process.
INEC urged all affected parties to use the additional period to upload the required candidate information before the revised deadline.