The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that about 1.91 million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have been collected in Osun State ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
The development comes as the electoral commission intensifies preparations for the off-cycle election, with political parties, candidates, security agencies and other stakeholders gearing up for the poll.
INEC has been conducting voter registration and PVC collection exercises in the state as part of preparations for the election.
The commission’s official website lists the August 15, 2026 Osun governorship election among its upcoming electoral activities. (INEC Nigeria)
Osun Voter Register Increased
The number of registered voters in Osun State increased significantly following the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted ahead of the election.
INEC had previously disclosed that the state’s registered voter population increased from 1,954,800 to 2,339,233 following the latest registration exercise. (sotwe)
The increase reflects the addition of newly registered voters as well as voters who transferred their registration, replaced lost or damaged PVCs or updated their voter information.
With more than two million registered voters in the state, PVC collection has been a major focus of INEC’s preparations for the August 15 poll.
PVC Collection Exercise
INEC commenced the distribution of PVCs to eligible voters in Osun in July.
The exercise was targeted at people who registered during the recent CVR exercise, transferred their voter registration, applied for replacement of lost or damaged cards or updated their voter information.
According to the commission’s earlier announcement, PVC distribution began at the Registration Area level across the state before moving to INEC Local Government Area offices.
The Registration Area phase was scheduled to run from July 22 to July 28, while collection at INEC’s Local Government Area offices was scheduled from July 29 to August 7. (Osun)
Previously uncollected PVCs were also made available during the exercise.
INEC reminded voters that PVC collection was strictly personal and that collection by proxy was not permitted. (TVC News)
Election Holds on August 15
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026.
The election is expected to determine who will govern the state for the next four years, with incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke seeking another term and other candidates challenging for the position.
INEC has said it has completed key logistical, technological and operational preparations for the election.
According to information attributed to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, the commission had configured and charged the 3,763 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) devices required for the election, with 1,328 backup machines available for contingencies. (sotwe)
The commission has also been conducting voter education and other preparations ahead of polling day.
Security Concerns During PVC Distribution
The PVC collection process was not without challenges.
In July, suspected hoodlums reportedly attacked a PVC distribution centre at Okuku in Odo-Otin Local Government Area of Osun State.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs. Reports said armed men fired shots into the air before taking away packs of PVCs.
The Osun State Police Command subsequently launched an investigation into the incident. (Channels Television)
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, condemned the attack and reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible election.
The incident raised concerns about the security of electoral materials and the need for adequate protection of election officials and voters.
INEC Urges Voters to Participate
The electoral commission has repeatedly urged eligible voters to collect their PVCs and participate in the electoral process.
The commission has also emphasised the importance of peaceful conduct by political parties, candidates, supporters and voters.
INEC’s preparations have included the distribution of electoral materials, training of personnel, deployment of BVAS machines and engagement with political parties and other stakeholders.
The commission has said its objective is to conduct a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent election.
PVC Collection and Voter Accreditation
The collection of PVCs is particularly important because voters must be properly accredited before casting their ballots.
INEC had previously stated that the PVC remains the document used for voter accreditation at polling units.
The commission has also continued to deploy technology, including the BVAS, as part of its voter accreditation and election-management process.
The combination of voter registration records and biometric accreditation is intended to help prevent impersonation and multiple voting.
Final Preparations Underway
With the election only days away, attention has shifted to final logistical arrangements and voter mobilisation.
INEC’s disclosure that approximately 1.91 million PVCs have been collected indicates a high level of card collection among registered voters, although the exact collection rate depends on the final number of registered voters and the official PVC figures being used by the commission.
Based on the previously disclosed figure of 2,339,233 registered voters, collection of approximately 1.91 million PVCs would represent roughly 82 per cent of registered voters.
The final turnout on election day, however, cannot be predicted solely from PVC collection figures, as possessing a PVC does not necessarily mean that a voter will participate in the election.
Why the Figure Matters
The number of collected PVCs provides an important indication of voter preparedness ahead of the Osun election.
A high collection rate means that a large proportion of registered voters have obtained the cards required for participation in the election.
However, INEC and other stakeholders still face the task of ensuring that voters can safely reach their polling units, election officials arrive on time and electoral materials are delivered to the correct locations.
Security will also remain a major consideration, particularly following the reported attack on a PVC distribution centre during the collection exercise.
Conclusion
The Independent National Electoral Commission has disclosed that about 1.91 million PVCs have been collected in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
The figure comes after a major voter registration exercise that increased the state’s registered voter population from 1,954,800 to 2,339,233.
INEC has continued preparations for the election, including PVC distribution, BVAS configuration, personnel training and logistical planning.
With the election approaching, the commission is expected to focus on final deployment arrangements, voter education, security coordination and ensuring that eligible voters are able to participate in a peaceful and credible electoral process.
