The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to stakeholders in Ekiti State to support efforts aimed at increasing awareness and participation in the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection exercise ahead of the state’s governorship election.

According to a report by Punch, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, made the appeal in a statement issued in Ado Ekiti on Wednesday.

Omoseyindemi urged registered voters who have not yet collected their PVCs, including newly registered voters, to visit their registration areas and wards to obtain their cards.

The PVC collection exercise began on June 2 and is scheduled to end on June 11, 2026. Collection is taking place at registration areas and wards across the state from June 2 to June 8, before moving to INEC local government offices from June 9 to June 11.

The commissioner reiterated INEC’s commitment to delivering a credible, transparent and inclusive governorship election on June 20, 2026.

He described the PVC as more than just an identification document, noting that it is a vital tool that enables citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote and influence the future of their communities and the country.

Omoseyindemi called on community leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and encourage eligible voters to collect their cards.

“Every vote counts, and every eligible voter has a role to play in strengthening our democracy,” he said.

He also stressed that completing voter registration alone is not enough, adding that collecting a PVC remains a personal responsibility and a crucial requirement for participation in the electoral process.

INEC has consistently maintained that only voters with valid PVCs will be eligible to vote in the Ekiti governorship election and has continued voter education and stakeholder engagement efforts to improve participation and ensure a smooth electoral process.