The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set the stage for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election with the announcement that collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will commence on Thursday.
This development comes as the state prepares for the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial contest.
Sam Olumekun, INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, released a statement on Monday detailing the commission’s plans for PVC distribution.
According to Olumekun, a total of 89,777 new PVCs have been printed and delivered to INEC’s state office in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
This figure includes 58,708 cards for newly registered voters and 31,069 for individuals who requested transfers, updates, or replacements for lost or damaged cards.
The PVC collection process will be conducted at two levels across 221 centers throughout the state.
“The PVCs for all categories of applicants will be available for collection in 221 centres across the State at two levels,” Olumekun stated.
“First, in all the 203 Wards from Thursday 17th to Monday 21st October 2024. Secondly, in our 18 LGA offices from Wednesday 23rd to Tuesday 29th October 2024 from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm daily (including the weekends).”
INEC has emphasized the importance of personal collection, reiterating its strict policy against proxy pickups.
“We appeal to registered voters in the State to pick up their PVCs in person on the approved dates,” the commission urged. “The commission reiterates its policy that no cards will be collected by proxy.”
Olumekun explained, “Detailed information, including location addresses of the Ward and Local Government collection centres, has been uploaded to our website and social media platforms for public information.”
Additionally, the commission is displaying the register of new voters at each collection center and uploading the entire collection register for new voters to its website, allowing for easy identification of names and collection points.
The commission has also made provisions for voters who may have outstanding PVCs from previous registration exercises.
“During the period, the backlog of uncollected PVCs from previous registrations will also be available for collection at the designated centres,” Olumekun confirmed.
This PVC distribution initiative is a crucial step in ensuring that all eligible voters in Ondo State have the opportunity to participate in the upcoming gubernatorial election.