Multiple PVC registration will attract sanctions – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned residents of Ekiti State to refrain from registering more than once for the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), stressing that offenders will face sanctions in line with the law.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, issued the warning while speaking with journalists in Ado Ekiti on Monday, as he announced the commencement of the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

“Anybody who attempts to or is involved in multiple registration or commits other infractions in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise in the state would be dealt with according to the dictates of the law,” Omoseyindemi said.

He explained that the new phase of the CVR was designed to accommodate eligible voters who were unable to participate in the first phase, as well as those who need to update their personal details.

“This phase provides another opportunity for those who missed phase one to register or update their information,” he added.

The REC appealed to political parties, civil society groups and other stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts, particularly among newly eligible voters.

He urged them to “Mobilise those who have not registered in the previous exercises, particularly those who just attained the age of 18, to do so in order to be able to perform the civic responsibility of voting in the June 20 elections and future polls.”

Omoseyindemi recalled that the initial phase of the CVR commenced on August 25, 2025 and ended on December 10, 2025, after which the commission displayed the register of voters for public scrutiny.

“After the first phase, the display of claims and objections took place from December 15 to 21, 2025. This was an opportunity for stakeholders and the public to raise any concerns about the registration data. It enabled those who had registered to go through the list for corrections, where necessary, particularly wrong spelling of names and other information,” he said.

INEC has scheduled the Ekiti State governorship election for June 20, with the successful candidate expected to assume office on October 16.

The commission had earlier released the provisional list of candidates on December 29, 2025. According to the electoral timetable, political parties have until January 12 to withdraw or substitute candidates, while the final list of contestants will be published on January 19.

Reaffirming INEC’s readiness to conduct a credible poll, the REC called on political parties, candidates and voters to support the commission’s efforts to strengthen confidence in the electoral process and ensure peaceful elections in the state.