Osun election voters prepare for Saturday’s poll as INEC says 1.9 million PVCs have been collected across the state
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, says 1,906,390 registered voters in Osun State have collected their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026.
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INEC disclosed on Thursday that 2,339,233 voters are registered in the state, meaning 81.50 per cent of registered voters have collected their PVCs ahead of the poll.
The commission said the remaining 426,842 cards, representing 18.50 per cent of registered voters, have not been collected and are being kept with the Central Bank of Nigeria in line with established procedures.
The figures provide a snapshot of voter readiness as political parties and their supporters prepare for a closely watched governorship contest across Osun’s 30 local government areas.
In a statement signed by Mohammed Kudu Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, the commission said detailed records showing PVC collection at individual polling units had been made available to the public.
“A table of the PVCs collected, polling unit by polling unit, has been published on the Commission’s website,” Haruna said.
INEC also disclosed that some registered voters who reported their PVCs as damaged, defaced or missing had applied for replacement cards before the election.
According to the commission, 6,101 applicants successfully printed downloadable copies of their replacement PVCs, allowing them to participate in the election.
The development is particularly important for voters who might otherwise have been unable to cast their ballots because of damaged or missing cards.
INEC said its preparations for the election were on course and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a credible exercise.
“We reassure political parties, civil society organisations, the media and the good people of Osun State of our total readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent and inclusive election on Saturday, 15 August 2026,” Haruna said.
The commission urged voters who have collected their PVCs to participate peacefully and exercise their franchise at polling units across the state.
The election will provide voters with an opportunity to determine who will lead Osun State as political parties complete their campaigns and mobilise supporters ahead of polling day.
INEC’s latest figures also highlight the potential size of the electorate that could participate in the contest.
With more than 1.9 million PVCs collected, turnout will depend not only on voter eligibility but also on how many registered voters ultimately make the journey to their polling units.
The commission’s appeal for peaceful participation comes as election officials, political parties, observers and security agencies prepare for Saturday’s exercise.
For voters, the immediate focus will now shift from registration and PVC collection to turning out safely and participating in the democratic process.
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With polling scheduled for August 15, INEC says the machinery for the Osun governorship election is ready.
