By Ado Oyeyemi
The Independent National Electoral Commission has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards at Registration Area centres across Osun State to July 31, 2026, following complaints from voters and heavy turnout at distribution centres.
The extension was announced in a statement issued on behalf of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, by the Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Ariyo Rufus.
According to the commission, the initial exercise, which began on July 22, was originally scheduled to end on July 28.
However, the decision to prolong the exercise was taken to allow more registered voters to collect their cards before the August 15 governorship election.
INEC disclosed that a total of 322,822 Permanent Voter Cards, representing 62 per cent of the available cards, had been collected during the first phase of the exercise.
The commission said the extension became necessary following reports of overcrowding at collection centres and other challenges encountered by eligible voters.
It noted that the additional period would enable more registered voters to obtain their PVCs and participate in the forthcoming governorship poll.
INEC also announced an adjustment to its collection timetable, stating that the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards at Local Government Area offices will now commence on August 1 and end on August 7, instead of the earlier scheduled date.
The electoral body urged all registered voters who have yet to collect their PVCs to make use of the extended window, stressing that possession of the card remains a prerequisite for participation in the election.
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The commission reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to collect their Permanent Voter Card ahead of the governorship election.
