Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a public holiday to enable civil servants and other public workers across the state to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The governor announced the work-free day in a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, saying the decision was intended to encourage eligible voters to complete the PVC collection process before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) closes the exercise.
According to the state government, the holiday forms part of efforts to increase voter participation by ensuring that workers who may have been unable to visit designated collection centres during official working hours have an opportunity to obtain their voter cards.
Government explains reason for work-free day
The statement said the approval was conveyed through a circular issued across the Osun State Public Service, directing ministries, departments and agencies to observe the work-free day.
The government explained that the decision was taken to allow public servants to fulfil one of their most important civic responsibilities ahead of the governorship election and future electoral exercises.
It noted that the PVC remains the only legal means through which registered voters can participate in elections, stressing that every eligible citizen should take advantage of the opportunity to collect the document before the deadline.
The administration added that encouraging wider participation in the electoral process aligns with its commitment to strengthening democracy and ensuring that every qualified voter has the chance to exercise his or her constitutional right.
Essential workers exempted
Despite the declaration of the public holiday, the state government clarified that workers providing essential services would continue to perform their duties.
According to the circular, medical personnel, security operatives and other essential service providers have been advised to make the necessary internal arrangements to ensure that critical services are not disrupted during the work-free day.
The government emphasised that hospitals, emergency response units and security agencies must remain operational to avoid any inconvenience or danger to residents across the state.
It added that heads of relevant agencies are expected to coordinate their staff to guarantee uninterrupted service delivery while also giving eligible workers the opportunity to collect their PVCs where possible.
Adeleke urges residents to collect PVCs
Governor Adeleke called on civil servants, artisans, traders, market women, transport workers and others in the informal sector who have yet to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards to do so without delay.
He described the forthcoming governorship election as significant to the future of Osun State, urging residents not to allow the opportunity to participate in the democratic process to slip away.
According to him, the PVC represents more than just an identification document, as it gives citizens the constitutional power to choose their leaders through the ballot.
“I encourage all registered voters to reach all the collection points without delay. Your vote is your power. Your voter’s card is your licence to the ballot paper and, by extension, to the ballot box,” the governor said.
He stressed that active participation by eligible voters would contribute to credible elections and strengthen democratic governance in the state.
Call for greater civic participation
The state government also encouraged residents to educate family members, friends and neighbours on the importance of collecting their voter cards before the deadline.
It noted that increased PVC collection would help improve voter turnout during the governorship election while ensuring that more citizens participate in decisions affecting the future of the state.
The government reiterated its commitment to creating an environment that promotes peaceful, transparent and inclusive elections, urging all stakeholders to support efforts aimed at deepening democracy in Osun.
It further appealed to residents to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and to use lawful and democratic means to express their political choices when the election is eventually held.