The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the high number of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State, revealing that a total of 295,856 PVCs remain unclaimed as the state gears up for its governorship election scheduled for November 2025.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, made this known on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Akure, the state capital. She disclosed that the commission is intensifying efforts to ensure eligible voters come forward to collect their cards and participate in the democratic process.
Mrs. Babalola noted that the uncollected PVCs cut across all 18 local government areas of the state and urged political parties, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to help sensitise the public on the importance of collecting their voter cards.
She emphasized that voting remains the constitutional right of every Nigerian citizen and can only be exercised by those who possess their PVCs. “The power to elect leaders lies in the hands of the people. But without their PVCs, that power is forfeited,” she said.
INEC also reaffirmed its readiness to conduct a free, fair, and credible governorship election, assuring stakeholders of the commission’s neutrality and strict adherence to electoral guidelines.
Meanwhile, political analysts have expressed concern that the large number of unclaimed PVCs could significantly affect voter turnout if not urgently addressed. As campaigns intensify in the coming months, the success of voter education and mobilisation efforts may determine the level of public participation in the crucial November polls.
