Osun gov’ship poll: INEC extends PVC collection, says over 322,000 cards already collected

By Lateef Ibrahim

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Registration Area centres across Osun State to Friday, July 31, 2026, following increased turnout and complaints from prospective voters.
The electoral body announced the extension in a statement issued by the Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity in Osun State, Ariyo Rufus, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola.
INEC explained that the initial PVC distribution exercise, which began on July 22 and was scheduled to end on July 28, recorded the collection of 322,822 voter cards, representing 62 percent of the available PVCs.
According to the Commission, the additional three-day extension is intended to give more registered voters the opportunity to obtain their cards ahead of the August 15 governorship election, citing persistent complaints, heavy crowds at distribution centres and other logistical challenges.
The Commission also adjusted the schedule for PVC collection at Local Government Area offices, announcing that the exercise will now commence on August 1 and end on August 7, instead of the earlier planned date.
INEC urged all eligible voters who have not yet collected their Permanent Voter Cards to take advantage of the extended period, stressing that possession of a PVC remains a prerequisite for participating in the forthcoming governorship election.