The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ekiti State until June 14, 2026, urging eligible voters to seize the opportunity and participate in the forthcoming governorship election.
The announcement was made by INEC Chairman, Joash Amupitan, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday as part of preparations for the June 20 governorship poll.
Amupitan assured residents, political parties, and other stakeholders that the Commission is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, credible, and transparent election across the state.
According to him, INEC’s preparations are guided by the principles of transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and strict compliance with constitutional and electoral guidelines.
He described the stakeholders’ forum as an important democratic platform that allows the Commission to present its level of preparedness while strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
The INEC chairman also commended political parties and candidates for signing a peace accord on May 21, 2026, but cautioned against treating the agreement as a mere formality.
He urged party leaders to ensure that the spirit of the accord is fully embraced by party officials, campaign teams, polling agents, and supporters at all levels.
Amupitan further disclosed that 2,077 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) have been registered as eligible voters for the election, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to inclusive participation.
To facilitate their participation, INEC will deploy assistive devices including Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses for visually impaired voters, persons with albinism, and other categories of voters living with disabilities.
He stressed that no eligible voter should be disenfranchised on account of disability, noting that inclusivity remains a key component of the Commission’s election management strategy.
“We are determined to ensure that voting commences on time across all 2,445 polling units. Early commencement will enable voting, counting, result declaration, and electronic uploads to be completed efficiently and in daylight,” he said.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed that non-sensitive election materials have already been received and secured, while the distribution of sensitive materials is expected to begin next week.
He called on political parties and candidates to maintain issue-based campaigns and comply with electoral laws, while urging security agencies to sustain efforts toward ensuring a peaceful electoral environment.
Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies to providing adequate protection before, during, and after the election to guarantee a violence-free and credible process.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, Adeniji Aderopo, appealed to political actors and their supporters to embrace peace, tolerance, and sportsmanship.
He emphasized that elections should be viewed as democratic contests among citizens seeking to serve the public rather than battles between political adversaries.
The Ekiti governorship election is scheduled to hold on June 20, 2026.
