The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the commencement of the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the exercise is intended for eligible voters who registered during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, applied for a transfer of registration, requested replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, or updated their voter records.
According to the commission, the distribution exercise will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level across the state before moving to the Local Government Area (LGA) offices to make collection more accessible for voters.
INEC said PVC collection at the state’s 332 Registration Areas will take place from Wednesday, July 22, to Tuesday, July 28, 2026.
The commission stated that the exercise will be conducted daily, including weekends, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
Following the Registration Area phase, PVC collection will continue at all INEC Local Government Area offices across Osun State from Wednesday, July 29, to Friday, August 7, 2026.
According to the commission, collection at the LGA offices will also run daily, including weekends, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Babalola urged all eligible voters to collect their PVCs within the stipulated period, stressing that the Permanent Voter Card remains the only valid means of accreditation for voting on election day.
She also disclosed that previously uncollected PVCs from earlier voter registration exercises will be available for collection during the exercise.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner reminded members of the public that PVC collection must be done in person, warning that collection by proxy is prohibited.
“The Commission hereby reminds voters that PVC collection is strictly personal and it is an offence to do otherwise. Collection by proxy will not be allowed under any circumstance,” the statement read.
Babalola reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive and transparent governorship election in Osun State and advised members of the public seeking additional information to visit the nearest INEC Local Government office or contact the Osun State INEC office through its official communication channels.
