The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State has surpassed one million ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
According to the electoral body, the state’s voter register grew from 987,647 in 2023 to 1,059,360 in 2026, reflecting a significant increase in voter participation.
INEC also revealed that over one million Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) have now been collected by eligible voters, representing an impressive collection rate of more than 97 percent.
The update came as the commission officially concluded the PVC collection exercise ahead of the June 20 governorship poll.
Originally scheduled to end on June 11, the exercise was extended to June 14 following consultations with stakeholders in the state.
INEC disclosed that 14,406 applications were received for the replacement of lost, damaged, or defaced voter cards, and all replacement PVCs were successfully printed, with most already collected by applicants.
The commission explained that plans to introduce downloadable voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti election because the required technology infrastructure is still being completed.
However, INEC assured voters that the innovation is expected to be available for future elections, including the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
The electoral body thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, political parties, and the media for helping to mobilise residents to collect their voter cards.
INEC also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election in Ekiti State.
“The Commission urges all registered voters who have collected their PVCs to turn out peacefully and exercise their franchise on Election Day,” the statement said.
With voter registration now above one million and PVC collection reaching record levels, attention is shifting to the crucial governorship election scheduled for June 20.
Source: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
