INEC extends PVC collection deadline in Osun

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State to Friday, 31 July. This decision comes after the commission revealed that over 322,000 newly registered voters have picked up their cards ahead of the governorship election on 15 August.

INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan announced the extension on Wednesday during the Osun Governorship Election Stakeholders’ Forum in Osogbo. He said the commission is ready to hold a credible, peaceful, and transparent election.

Mr Amupitan noted that 322,822 newly registered voters, which is about 62 percent of those who signed up during the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) period, have collected their PVCs.

Earlier, it was reported that about 37.5 percent of all uncollected PVCs in the state had been picked up during a special distribution drive. This means the latest figure of 62 percent refers specifically to new voters, while the earlier figure covered all uncollected cards.

The INEC chairman encouraged eligible voters who have not yet collected their PVCs to use this extension. He emphasized that the voter card is the only way to participate in the election.

He also shared that there will be a mock accreditation exercise on Saturday, 1 August, in selected local government areas. This is to test the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) before the main election day.

Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner Oluwatoyin Babalola mentioned that most preparations for the election are done. She said the number of registered voters in the state has risen from 1,954,800 to 2,339,233 after the recent voter registration.

She also confirmed that all 3,763 BVAS devices needed for the election have been configured and charged. Additionally, 1,328 backup machines have been set aside for emergencies.

Mrs Babalola noted that non-sensitive election materials have been sent to local government offices. Sensitive materials are secured at the Central Bank of Nigeria in Osogbo.

Training for ad hoc staff will take place from 31 July to 9 August. The commission has also identified potential trouble spots and shared information with security agencies to ensure proper deployment during the election.

Kunle Ajayi, the Supervising National Commissioner for Osun State, described the governorship election as a key test for Nigeria’s democracy. He said INEC has invested significantly in election logistics, voter education, technology, and staff training to improve the credibility of the process.

Mr Ajayi cautioned political parties and their supporters against vote buying, voter intimidation, hate speech, and other electoral offenses. He warned that anyone caught violating the Electoral Act will face prosecution.

He also urged security agencies, civil society groups, and the media to act professionally and fairly throughout the election period. The governorship election on 15 August will see incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking re-election against candidates from 14 political parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).