Oneforall Initiative

CSO Seeks Secure PVC Distribution, Urges INEC to Begin Exercise at LG Offices

As political activities gather momentum ahead of the August 15, 2026 Osun State governorship election, the OneForAll Initiative has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to adopt a phased approach to the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by commencing the exercise at its Local Government offices before moving to the Registration Area (Ward) centres.

The organisation said the recommendation was informed by the need to protect the integrity of the PVC distribution process, prevent possible disruption by criminal elements, and guarantee that every eligible voter has unhindered access to their voter card before election day.

In a statement signed by Aileru Ridwan on behalf of the Initiative, the group called on INEC to ensure robust security at all Local Government offices where the initial phase of the exercise would take place.

According to the statement, beginning the distribution at the Local Government offices would significantly reduce the pressure that often accompanies PVC collection and minimise the possibility of hoodlums hijacking or disrupting the exercise when it eventually reaches the Registration Area centres.

"We respectfully urge INEC to commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards at its Local Government offices across Osun State with adequate security deployment. This will provide a more controlled environment for eligible voters to collect their PVCs and reduce the risk of hoodlums disrupting the exercise at the Registration Area centres."

The organisation argued that a phased distribution strategy would enable a substantial number of voters to obtain their PVCs before the exercise is decentralised, thereby making the subsequent ward-level distribution more orderly, efficient, and secure.

It further noted that the credibility of any election begins long before polling day, stressing that unrestricted access to PVCs remains one of the most critical elements in guaranteeing citizens' constitutional right to vote.

"By the time distribution is extended to the Registration Area centres, the initial rush would have reduced considerably. This will not only improve crowd management but also strengthen public confidence in the electoral process."

The group maintained that safeguarding the PVC distribution process is as important as securing the election itself, urging all stakeholders, including security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to support efforts aimed at ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The August 15 governorship election is expected to be keenly contested, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state as preparations enter a decisive phase.