By: Samuel Adeyemi — SaharaNews247
Published: August 26, 2025
Introduction
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that 360,794 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected in Osun State. With the state’s next governorship election on the horizon, this revelation has sparked concerns about voter participation, electoral preparedness, and the credibility of future polls. This report takes a closer look at the facts, the risks, and the way forward for INEC, stakeholders, and citizens.
The Verified Facts
According to INEC officials in Osun:
360,794 PVCs are currently uncollected across local government offices.
Osun State has about 1,954,800 registered voters, meaning roughly 18% of eligible voters have not yet collected their cards.
INEC has urged residents to collect their PVCs from its 30 local government offices and the Area Office in Modakeke, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.
These figures were confirmed by the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, and reported by leading national newspapers.
Why It Matters
The backlog of uncollected PVCs poses serious challenges:
Voter Disenfranchisement
Every uncollected PVC represents a registered voter who may be unable to exercise their right to vote. With elections often decided by narrow margins, 360,000 inactive cards could determine the outcome of tightly contested seats.
Operational Strain on INEC
Storing and safeguarding hundreds of thousands of unclaimed PVCs consumes time, manpower, and resources that could otherwise strengthen voter education and logistics.
Security and Fraud Risks
Although INEC maintains strict controls, large volumes of uncollected cards increase vulnerability to loss or misuse, which can fuel misinformation and distrust in the electoral process.
Public Perception
The narrative of electoral apathy is amplified when so many cards remain uncollected. This may discourage voter turnout and erode confidence in democratic institutions.
Why Are So Many PVCs Uncollected?
The reasons behind the high number of uncollected cards are complex:
Logistics and Accessibility: Many registrants struggle to return to collection points because of distance, work schedules, or limited availability of INEC offices.
Poor Communication: Some voters are unaware their cards are ready due to weak notification systems.
Migration and Mobility: Voters who relocated after registering may find it difficult to pick up cards.
Voter Apathy: A portion of the electorate registered without genuine intent to vote, often during mass drives.
Administrative Delays: In past election cycles, bottlenecks in distribution created backlogs that remain unresolved.
The Political Arithmetic
Out of nearly two million registered voters, over 18% have yet to collect their PVCs. In a state like Osun, where governorship races are historically competitive, mobilizing even a fraction of these voters could swing results. This makes the issue not only a civic concern but also a matter of political strategy for parties ahead of OsunDecides2026.
What INEC Is Doing — And What It Should Do Next
INEC has launched public appeals urging citizens to collect their PVCs. But more targeted strategies are required:
Direct Messaging Campaigns: SMS and WhatsApp reminders tied to voter registration data.
Extended Collection Hours: Weekend and after-work schedules to accommodate busy citizens.
Mobile Collection Units: Bringing PVCs closer to voters in rural and semi-urban communities.
Transparent Dashboards: Weekly updates showing how many PVCs remain uncollected in each LGA.
Community Partnerships: Collaborating with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to spread awareness.
Such measures would not only reduce the backlog but also restore public trust in the process.
What Voters Should Do Now
If you or someone you know has not collected a PVC, the steps are simple:
1. Check your PVC status online via the INEC portal.
2. Visit the nearest INEC office with your registration slip or valid ID.
3. Update your details through CVR if you have relocated or changed your residence.
4. Spread the word to family, friends, and community members.
Risks if the Backlog Persists
If urgent action is not taken, several risks loom:
A significant portion of the electorate could be disenfranchised.
Misinformation about the security of uncollected cards may spread, undermining INEC’s credibility.
Last-minute rushes could overwhelm INEC offices and create avoidable chaos before the polls.
Looking Ahead to OsunDecides2026
The upcoming 2026 Osun governorship election will test whether INEC can translate strong registration numbers into real voter participation. Ensuring that nearly 20% of the electorate does not sit out due to uncollected cards is essential to the fairness and credibility of the election.
Conclusion
The revelation that 360,794 PVCs remain uncollected in Osun State is both alarming and instructive. It highlights the gap between voter registration and actual participation, and it underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions. INEC, political parties, civil society, and voters themselves must act quickly to close this gap. Democracy is not just about numbers on a register — it is about real people casting real votes.
Author Bio
Samuel Adeyemi is a political and civic affairs reporter with SaharaNews247, covering elections, governance, and public policy across Nigeria. He focuses on voter education, INEC processes, and democratic reforms.
