The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has solicited the support of traditional rulers to encourage the collection of over 200,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) before the 2027 general election.
Dr Mutiu Agboke, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, made the call on Wednesday in Owo at the Ondo North Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting.
Agboke, who also visited the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, said said the collection of the PVC would commence nationwide on oct.9.
The REC also said it would be available at the commission’s offices at ward levels across the state.
According to him, the commission is determined to ensure that the electoral ecosystem is free from any form of abnormality, because the number of uncollected PVCs may rise with the new registrations.
” I am here to solicit our royal majesty’s support to help us use the throne to talk to our people to go and collect their PVC, starting from Friday, Oct. 9.
“We can’t say we have old cards in Ondo State, we have over 200,000 PVCs uncollected. With the new or fresh registration, I’m sure the number will be increased.
“Elections have been characterised by violence, vote buying, and all other things. Politicians, voters and others should shun anything that can cause violence during and after the election
“Our determination is to ensure that nothing determines the winner in election. Not vote buying, not violence, not manipulation, but the vote of the people of Ondo, and that is where we stand.
“But for now, on Friday, those cards that are going to be collected are the transfer cards for people who have done PVC transfer.
“The stakeholders engagement is to educate the public and create awareness on what iNEC is expecting from stakeholders,” he said.
Also, Oba Ajibade Ogunoye, Olowo of Owo, commended INEC for strengthening its operation and correcting past anomalies observed since 1999.
Ogunoye, also state Chairman, Council of Obas, pledged the full cooperation of traditional rulers and expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would be delivered in a manner acceptable to all Nigerians.
“The people of Owo and the Northern senatorial district express their readiness for the forthcoming 2027 general election.
“I want to assure INEC that citizens will turn out in large numbers to vote according to their choices,” he said .
Similarly, Oba Adeleke Agbegbite-Adedoyin, Owa-Ale of Ikare-Akoko, called for more advocacy from the commission and major stakeholders for the smooth conduction of the election.
Agbegbite-Adedoyin, who applauded President Bola Tinubu for allowing votes to count in the Osun governorship election, called for free, fair and transparent elections in the forthcoming 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, Mr Towoju Abayomi, Chairman, Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akoko North West Local Government Area, commended the INEC, tasked the security agencies and governments not to compromised during the election.
Abayomi advised the voters to prioritise the future of the country when casting their votes, warning that failing to make informed decision could result in suffering.
 in Ondo State, made the call on Wednesday in Owo at the Ondo North Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting.){kind=link}