The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ekiti State until June 14, encouraging all eligible voters who are yet to obtain their cards to do so before the deadline.
The announcement was made on Thursday by INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ado-Ekiti ahead of the June 20 governorship election.
Amupitan assured residents, political parties and other stakeholders that the commission is fully prepared to conduct a free, fair, transparent and credible election across the state. He said INEC’s preparations are guided by transparency, accountability and strict compliance with constitutional provisions.
Describing the stakeholders’ meeting as an important platform for strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, he commended political parties and their candidates for signing the peace accord on May 21, 2026. However, he urged them to ensure that the agreement is reflected in the conduct of their officials, agents and supporters rather than being treated as a mere formality.
The INEC chairman also revealed that 2,077 Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) are eligible to vote in the election. He said the commission has made adequate arrangements to ensure their full participation through the provision of assistive devices such as Braille ballot guides and magnifying glasses for visually impaired voters, persons with albinism and others with disabilities.
According to him, inclusivity remains a key priority for the commission, stressing that no eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to vote because of a disability.
Amupitan further stated that INEC aims to commence voting on schedule in all 2,445 polling units, noting that early commencement would allow voting, counting, declaration of results and electronic uploads to be completed in daylight.
Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, disclosed that all non-sensitive election materials have been received and securely stored, while the distribution of sensitive materials is expected to begin next week.
He called on political parties and candidates to conduct issue-based and peaceful campaigns in line with the law and appealed to security agencies to maintain a safe environment before, during and after the election.
Also speaking, the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, assured residents that adequate security measures would be deployed to guarantee a peaceful and credible poll.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ekiti State, Adeniji Aderopo, urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peace and tolerance. He emphasized that elections should be viewed as democratic contests rather than battles among enemies and encouraged political leaders to move away from a winner-takes-all mentality in the interest of inclusive governance and development.