With just days to the Ekiti State Governorship Election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that more than 1.02 million voters are set to determine the political future of the state as preparations reach their final stage ahead of the crucial poll.
INEC disclosed that 1,028,929 (1.02 million) eligible voters have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), representing an impressive 97.1 per cent of the 1,059,360 (1.05 million) registered voters expected to participate in the off-cycle governorship election across the state’s 16 local government areas.
The figures were contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, who described the PVC collection exercise as one of the most successful in the state’s electoral history.
The latest voter register shows a significant rise in voter participation compared to previous elections, with the number of registered voters increasing from 987,647 recorded during the 2023 election cycle to 1,059,360 in 2026. The increase of more than 71,000 voters is expected to influence the dynamics of what analysts have described as a highly competitive governorship contest.
INEC noted that PVC collection also witnessed a marginal improvement from the 958,052 cards collected in 2023, which represented a 97.0 per cent collection rate, to the current 1,028,929 cards, pushing the collection rate to 97.1 per cent.
The commission attributed the high turnout partly to its decision to extend the PVC collection exercise from June 11 to June 14 following consultations with political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders during a meeting in Ado-Ekiti.
Saturday’s election is expected to feature a crowded field of candidates, with 13 political parties cleared by INEC to participate in the race.
At the centre of the contest is incumbent Governor Biodun Oyebanji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who is seeking a fresh mandate amid challenges from opposition candidates determined to wrest control of the state.
Leading the challengers are Oluwole Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Oluwadare Bejide of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Opeyemi Falegan of the Accord Party, Joseph Anifowose of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), and Oyebanji Olajuyin of the Labour Party (LP).
Other candidates on the ballot include Blessing Ayobami Abegunde of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Olaniyi Ayodele of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Bidemi Awogbemi of the Action Peoples Party (APP), Akande Oluwasegun of the African Action Congress (AAC), Ayodeji Ojo of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Victor Adetunji of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Otunba Peter Obafemi of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a further indication of voter enthusiasm, INEC revealed that 14,406 applications were received from citizens seeking replacement PVCs due to loss, damage or defacement of their original cards.
The commission confirmed that all replacement cards were successfully produced in accordance with the Electoral Act and that a majority had already been collected by affected voters.
INEC also provided an update on its planned digital voter card initiative, stating that the introduction of downloadable electronic voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti election because the necessary technological infrastructure is yet to be fully completed.
According to the commission, the innovation is expected to debut during subsequent elections, including the Osun State Governorship Election later this year and the 2027 General Election.
As political campaigns wind down and security agencies intensify preparations, attention is now focused on Saturday’s vote, where more than one million PVC holders will determine whether Governor Oyebanji secures another term or whether Ekiti voters opt for a new political direction.
Reaffirming its readiness for the exercise, INEC urged all eligible voters to turn out peacefully and responsibly, assuring residents that every necessary measure has been put in place to ensure a free, fair, credible and inclusive election.