INEC Extends PVC Collection in Osun Until July 31 Ahead of Governorship Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) at Registration Area centres across Osun State until Friday, July 31, 2026, following high voter turnout and complaints about overcrowding at collection centres.

The extension comes after the initial PVC distribution exercise, which began on Wednesday, July 22, and was originally scheduled to end on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

A statement issued by the Head of Department, Voter Education, Publicity, Gender and Inclusivity, Ariyo Rufus, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the decision was taken to allow more eligible voters to collect their cards ahead of the upcoming Osun State governorship election.

According to the commission, 322,822 Permanent Voter Cards were collected during the initial exercise, representing 62 percent of all available PVCs in the state.

INEC explained that the extension became necessary after receiving complaints from voters and observing large crowds at several distribution centres, which made it difficult for many registered voters to obtain their cards within the original timeline.

“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, 31st July, 2026, to enable more eligible voters to exercise their civic right,” the statement read.

The commission also announced an adjustment to its collection schedule, stating that PVC distribution at Local Government Area (LGA) offices will now commence on August 1 and continue until August 7, 2026, instead of the previously announced date.

INEC urged all registered voters who are yet to collect their Permanent Voter Cards to make use of the additional time, stressing that possessing a PVC remains a key requirement for participating in the forthcoming governorship election.