INEC extends Osun PVC deadline to July 31 after complaints from voters, allowing more registered residents to collect cards before the governorship election
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election, following complaints from voters and large crowds recorded at distribution centres.
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The extension allows registered voters who are yet to collect their cards additional time to obtain their PVCs before the poll scheduled for August 15, 2026.
In a statement issued by Ariyo Rufus, Head of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity at INEC Osun State, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, the commission said the decision followed the completion of the initial collection exercise, which ran from Wednesday, July 22, to Tuesday, July 28.
INEC said 322,822 PVCs, representing 62 per cent of the available cards, were collected during the first phase of the exercise.
The commission said the extension was approved to give more eligible voters the opportunity to participate in the electoral process.
“Having regard to complaints and large crowds at collection centres as well as other difficulties, the Commission has approved the extension of PVC collection at Registration Areas to Friday, July 31, 2026, to enable more eligible voters to exercise their civic right,” INEC stated.
The electoral body also announced changes to the schedule for PVC collection at Local Government Area offices. The exercise, initially expected to begin earlier, will now take place from August 1 to August 7, 2026.
INEC urged all registered voters who have not collected their Permanent Voter Cards to use the additional window and complete the process before the election.
The PVC collection exercise is part of preparations for the Osun governorship election, where political parties are intensifying campaigns ahead of the August 15 contest.
Also read:Â APC Chairman Yilwatda Confident of Osun 2026 Victory
The commission has repeatedly encouraged eligible voters to collect their cards early to avoid last-minute challenges and ensure smooth participation on election day.
