INEC Raises Alarm Over 295,856 Uncollected PVCs In Ondo Ahead Of Voter Registration.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has disclosed that 295,856 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected, as the commission prepares for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The announcement, made by Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola during a press briefing in Akure, highlights concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Babalola revealed that Ondo State currently has 2,053,061 registered voters, with 1,757,205 having collected their PVCs, leaving nearly 300,000 unclaimed. She described voter registration as a cornerstone of democratic participation, urging eligible citizens to collect their PVCs and participate in the forthcoming CVR, which begins with online pre-registration on 18 August 2025, followed by in-person registration at 19 designated centres across the state from 25 August 2025. The exercise, set to run until August 2026, will pause briefly in December 2025 to process data collected.
The CVR aims to capture new voters, particularly those who have recently turned 18, as well as facilitate transfers, updates, and replacements for lost or damaged PVCs. Babalola emphasised that all registration centres are equipped with INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs), which are fully prepared for deployment. However, she issued a stern warning against double registration, noting that it is an offence under Section 12(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, punishable by a ₦100,000 fine, one year in prison, or both.
To boost participation, INEC is collaborating with political parties, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, and youth and women’s groups to mobilise citizens. Babalola stressed the importance of a credible voter register, stating, “A credible voter register is the bedrock of a credible election.” She urged residents to visit INEC’s 18 local government offices and the state office in Alagbaka, Akure, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday to Friday, to collect their PVCs.
The commission also clarified that the CVR does not signal the start of political campaigning, as the official election notice is yet to be issued by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, in line with electoral guidelines. With preparations in full swing, INEC remains committed to ensuring transparency and inclusivity, calling on Ondo residents to seize this opportunity to engage in the democratic process and secure their voting.
