OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters across all 30 Local Government Areas of Osun State.

The exercise, which runs from Wednesday, July 22, through Friday, August 7, 2026, serves as a crucial milestone ahead of the upcoming Osun State Governorship Election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.

According to Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Oluwatoyin Babalola, the collection exercise targets various categories of registered voters who participated in recent electoral updates:

  • First-Time Registrants: Citizens who registered during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
  • Transfer Applicants: Voters who successfully applied to relocate their voting centers to Osun State.
  • Replacements & Corrections: Individuals who requested replacements for damaged or lost PVCs, as well as those who updated their voter information.

Collection points have been established across the 332 registration areas (wards) and local government offices in the state.

INEC emphasized that collection by proxy will not be allowed under any circumstances. Voters must present themselves in person with their temporary voter slips or official collection slips issued during registration.

"We urge all registered voters in Osun State who are yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of this designated window. The Permanent Voter Card remains the only valid authorization for exercising your civic right on August 15," INEC stated.

Civil society organizations and political parties across Osun State have also launched awareness drives to encourage high turnout at collection centers before the August 7 deadline.