By Priye Briggs
With just hours to the Osun State governorship election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that voter preparedness is high, with more than eight in ten registered voters already in possession of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Figures released by the Commission on Thursday show that out of 2,339,233 registered voters in the state, 1,906,390 PVCs have been collected, representing an 81.5 percent collection rate. The remaining 426,842 cards (18.5 percent) are yet to be claimed.
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of its Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, explained in a statement that the uncollected PVCs have been deposited with the Central Bank of Nigeria for safekeeping, in line with the Commission’s established practice.
Beyond the general collection figures, INEC also provided updates for voters who had challenges with their cards. It disclosed that 6,101 individuals whose PVCs were damaged, defaced, or lost, and who applied for replacements, have been issued downloadable copies of their voter cards. The digital option is part of INEC’s effort to reduce disenfranchisement and ensure no eligible voter is excluded due to logistical issues.
The August 15 poll will be conducted across all 30 local government areas of Osun, with voters expected to elect a new governor for a four-year term. The contest is widely regarded as a key political test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reassuring stakeholders, INEC confirmed that all non-sensitive materials have been deployed, while sensitive materials are being delivered under security cover. The Commission pledged to uphold transparency and credibility throughout the process.
“The Commission further assured political parties, civil society organisations, the media and residents of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive election on Saturday, August 15,” Haruna stated.
Political analysts note that the 81.5 percent PVC collection rate in Osun is above the national average recorded in several off-cycle elections, suggesting strong voter interest. However, the 426,842 uncollected cards could still influence turnout, particularly in rural local government areas where collection centres were fewer.