- cites complaints, large crowds, other challenges; LGA-level collection begins August 1
By John Dike, Osogbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Registration Area centres in Osun State by three days, moving the deadline from Tuesday, July 28, to Friday, July 31, 2026.
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The commission said the extension was necessary to accommodate more registered voters who were unable to collect their cards during the initial period, citing complaints from voters, large crowds at collection centres and other challenges encountered during the exercise.
The decision comes barely three weeks before the August 15 governorship election in the state, with INEC urging eligible voters yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the additional window.
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The commission disclosed the development in a statement signed by Mr Ariyo Rufus, Head of the Department of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, INEC Osun State, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner.
According to the statement, the commission commenced the distribution of PVCs at the Registration Area level on Wednesday, July 22, with the exercise initially scheduled to end on Tuesday, July 28.
INEC said that as of the end of the initial collection period, 322,822 PVCs, representing 62 per cent of the available cards, had been collected by registered voters across the state.
The commission explained that the decision to extend the exercise followed complaints received from voters, the large crowds witnessed at some collection centres and other difficulties experienced during the distribution
It said the additional three days would provide more eligible voters with the opportunity to obtain their cards and exercise their constitutional right to vote in the forthcoming governorship election.
“Having regard to complaints and large crowd at collection centres as well as other difficulties, the Commission has approved the extension of PVC collection at Registration Areas to Friday 31st July, 2026 to enable more eligible voters to exercise their civic right,” the statement said.
The extension is expected to ease the pressure on collection centres and provide another opportunity for voters who may have been unable to collect their cards because of congestion, logistical challenges or other difficulties.
INEC, therefore, advised registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs not to wait until the final day of the extended exercise.
The commission also clarified that the extension of the Registration Area-level collection would not affect the next phase of the exercise.
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It said PVC collection at the Local Government Area level would commence as earlier scheduled on Saturday, August 1, and continue until Friday, August 7, 2026.
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The electoral body urged all concerned registered voters to take advantage of both opportunities to collect their cards ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The development comes at a crucial stage in the state’s electoral calendar, as political parties and their candidates intensify campaigns and mobilisation across the 30 local government areas of Osun State.
The August 15 election is expected to be keenly contested, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party seeking another term in office against the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, and candidates of other political parties.
With the election drawing closer, the collection of PVCs remains a critical part of the preparations, as registered voters require the cards to participate in the voting process.
The commission has consequently appealed to voters to make use of the extended collection period and ensure that they are fully prepared for the election.
INEC’s latest decision is also expected to increase the number of voters with access to their PVCs before the election, particularly those who were affected by the challenges recorded during the initial Registration Area-level distribution.
The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and credible electoral process, while urging voters to cooperate with officials at the collection centres.
It further reminded voters that the subsequent Local Government Area-level collection exercise would run from August 1 to August 7.
As the countdown to the August 15 governorship election continues, the electoral commission’s extension provides thousands of registered voters who have yet to collect their PVCs with an additional opportunity to do so and participate in determining the next governor of Osun State.
INEC urged all eligible voters concerned to seize the opportunity before the exercise closes.
