The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that it will start distributing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) on October 17, 2024, in preparation for the Ondo State governorship election.
Oluwatoyin Babalola, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo, made this known on Monday during a press briefing in Akure, where he provided updates on the commission’s readiness for the upcoming election.
The governorship election in Ondo State is scheduled for November 16, 2024.
According to Mr. Babalola, PVCs will be available for collection at specific centres located within the 203 registration areas across the state’s 18 local government areas.
He further explained that the distribution exercise would take place daily, including weekends, at the Registration Area level from October 17 to October 21. From October 23 to October 29, the distribution will continue at the local government level.
“Following the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) on May 27, 2024, the number of registered voters in the state significantly increased, with 58,708 new registrations. As a result, the total number of uncollected PVCs now stands at 295,603,” Mr. Babalola noted.
He urged eligible voters, particularly those who recently registered or updated their information, to take advantage of this opportunity to collect their PVCs. He also encouraged voters who have yet to collect their cards to do so during this period.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the PVC collection process is smooth and accessible to all registered voters,” he emphasized.
Mr. Babalola expressed optimism that the timely distribution of PVCs would boost voter turnout and contribute to the credibility of the election.
“INEC remains committed to conducting a transparent, credible, and inclusive election in Ondo State. We urge the people of Ondo to come out in large numbers on election day and exercise their right to vote peacefully. Be assured that your votes will count,” he concluded.