The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election, calling on eligible voters to collect their cards before the exercise closes.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Osun State, Oluwatoyin Babalola, said the exercise is for voters who registered during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), applied for transfer of registration, requested replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, or updated their voter records.

According to the commission, the distribution will begin at the Registration Area (RA) level across the state before moving to Local Government Area (LGA) offices to make the collection process more accessible to voters.

INEC said PVC collection at the state's 332 Registration Areas will take place from Wednesday, July 22, to Tuesday, July 28, 2026, with the exercise running daily, including weekends, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The commission added that after the Registration Area phase, collection will continue at all INEC Local Government offices across Osun State from Wednesday, July 29, to Friday, August 7, 2026, also between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., including weekends.

Babalola urged all eligible voters to take advantage of the exercise, emphasizing that the Permanent Voter Card remains the only valid means of accreditation for voting on election day.

She also disclosed that previously uncollected PVCs from earlier voter registration exercises would be available for collection during the distribution period.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner reminded the public that PVC collection must be done in person by the registered voter, stressing that collection by proxy is prohibited.

“The Commission hereby reminds voters that PVC collection is strictly personal and it is an offence to do otherwise. Collection by proxy will not be allowed under any circumstance,” the statement read.

Babalola reaffirmed INEC's commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, inclusive, and transparent governorship election in Osun State. She advised residents seeking further information to visit the nearest INEC Local Government office or contact the Osun State INEC office through its official communication channels.