Ahead of the upcoming Ondo governorship election scheduled for November 16, 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released impressive statistics regarding the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Ondo State. From October 17 to 21, 2024, a total of 55,859 PVCs were collected, symbolizing a significant 62.2 percent of the 89,777 cards made available for distribution. This event marks a notable achievement, as it represents the highest rate of PVC collection within a five-day timeframe since the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) initiative was established in 2015.
INEC’s announcement came through a statement from Sam Olumekun, the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee. Olumekun emphasized that the PVCs were made accessible across all 203 wards within Ondo State, marking a highly efficient voter registration effort. The substantial collection numbers showcased the concerted efforts made by the Commission to encourage active participation in the upcoming elections, reflecting a growing engagement from the electorate. The statement highlighted the significance of these statistics in affirming the importance of voter registration and participation in the democratic process.
The five-day PVC collection exercise came as part of an ongoing initiative aimed at facilitating new registrants and individuals seeking to transfer or replace lost or damaged cards, in line with existing legal provisions. INEC’s strategic organization of the collection process across numerous ward locations underscores its commitment to enabling voters to easily access their cards. The timeline followed by INEC demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring that eligible voters are equipped to partake in the electoral process as the nation approaches significant elections.
Adding to this success, INEC further declared the extension of the PVC collection initiative to its 18 Local Government Area (LGA) offices within the state. The commission announced that collection would continue from October 23 to October 29, 2024, operated daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, including weekends. This extension aims to accommodate more voters, ensuring they have sufficient opportunities to obtain their PVCs ahead of the gubernatorial election. INEC has made additional efforts to provide detailed information about the locations of its LGA offices through its official website, further aiding voters’ access to necessary electoral materials.
INEC’s announcement explicitly encourages eligible voters who have not yet collected their PVCs to visit the LGA offices in person, reinforcing the policy that no cards may be collected by proxy. This provision signifies INEC’s intention to uphold the integrity of the voter registration process and mitigate instances of fraud or mishandling of voter credentials. The emphasis on personal collection serves to enhance the reliability of the electoral system, establishing a transparent connection between voters and their ability to participate in elections.
Overall, the successful collection of a significant number of PVCs and the extension of the exercise indicate a growing awareness and readiness among the electorate in Ondo State ahead of the 2024 governorship election. The efficient organization of this collection process and the substantial engagement seen over the designated dates reflect INEC’s commitment to fostering democratic participation in Nigeria. As the election date nears, it is crucial for voters to remain informed and proactive, ensuring that they are prepared to exercise their rights at the polls.
