INEC moves sensitive election materials across Ekiti ahead of Saturday poll

Preparations for Saturday’s governorship election in Ekiti State gathered momentum on Thursday as the distribution of sensitive election materials commenced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Ado Ekiti

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were seen sorting and packaging the materials before their movement to the state’s 16 local government areas for the election and accompanying senatorial and House of Representatives by-elections slated for 20 June 2026.

The CBN premises witnessed intense activity, with electoral officials coordinating logistics while security personnel maintained a strong presence around the facility. Police officers were also being deployed to various locations as part of arrangements for the polls.

Speaking on the exercise, Ekiti State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Bunmi Omoseyindemi, expressed satisfaction with the process, describing it as hitch-free.

He said the distribution exercise had proceeded smoothly and assured stakeholders that all materials would arrive at their designated locations before the commencement of voting.

Meanwhile, INEC has disclosed that the number of registered voters in Ekiti State has crossed the one million mark.

According to figures released by the commission, registered voters increased from 987,647 recorded during the 2023 election cycle to 1,059,360 ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

The commission also reported a significant rise in the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) collected by eligible voters.

In a statement issued by the National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, INEC said PVC collection rose from 958,052 in 2023 to 1,028,929 in 2026.

The commission noted that the latest figure represents a collection rate of 97.0 per cent and covers 97.1 per cent of registered voters in the state.

The announcement came as INEC confirmed the successful conclusion of the PVC collection exercise for the election.

The voter card collection programme had initially been scheduled to end on 11 June but was later extended to 14 June following consultations with political parties and other stakeholders during a meeting in Ado Ekiti.E

INEC also provided details on requests for replacement voter cards.

The commission explained that, in line with Section 18(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, voters whose cards were lost, damaged or defaced were entitled to apply for replacements.

According to the commission, 14,406 applications were received within the approved period and all replacement cards were subsequently produced, with the majority already collected by applicants.

INEC, however, said the introduction of digital replacement voter cards would have to wait.

“The option of a downloadable copy of the lost, damaged, or defaced Voter Cards could not be implemented in this election because the necessary technology infrastructure for this is yet to be completed.

“The option would be available to voters in subsequent elections, especially the Osun Governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 General Election.”