The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has called for the support of traditional rulers and other stakeholders in mobilising eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Agboke, disclosed that more than 200,000 PVCs remain uncollected across the state, stressing the need for concerted efforts to encourage eligible residents to claim their cards.
ORANGE FM’s Joshua Adedeji reports that Dr Agboke spoke in Owo while paying homage to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, at the commencement of a three-day stakeholders’ meeting on PVC collection and preparations for the 2027 elections in Ondo North Senatorial District.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, religious figures, representatives of security agencies and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues affecting voter participation and the electoral process.
The INEC boss urged stakeholders to align with the Commission’s objectives and intensify voter sensitisation across their respective communities, particularly in view of the large number of uncollected PVCs in the state.
He explained that the nationwide display of the voters’ register and PVC collection exercise announced by INEC headquarters would also provide opportunities for eligible voters to participate in other electoral processes, including claims and objections, scheduled to hold from October 9 to 15, before the distribution of the cards.
The Owa Ale of Ikare-Akoko, Oba Adeleke Adegbite II, commended INEC for organising the stakeholders’ engagement, stressing the need for stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric about free and fair elections and take decisive action against vote buying.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akoko North-West, Oke-Agbe, Towoju Abayomi, described the engagement as timely and urged INEC to take necessary steps to further strengthen the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.
The representative of the National Orientation Agency, Adeniran Funsho, and the representative of the Area Commander, CSP Olowolagba Victor, reaffirmed their agencies’ commitment to carrying out their constitutional responsibilities in support of credible elections.
Earlier, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mutiu Agboke, Administrative Secretary Tadese Adenike and delegates from the Commission in the six local government areas in Ondo North Senatorial District paid homage to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye.
The team explained the purpose of the visit, while the Olowo assured INEC of the continued support of the Owo Kingdom and commended the Commission for its progressive efforts towards improving the electoral process.
The three-day stakeholders’ meeting is expected to strengthen voter mobilisation, PVC collection and INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general elections.
