The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State has dismissed allegations that some Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are missing in Iwaro-Oka, Akoko South-West Local Government Area, saying all cards delivered to the state have been accounted for.
The commission’s clarification followed a call by the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Akoko South-East/Akoko South-West Federal Constituency, Adeyeri Stephen, for an investigation into complaints from residents who were reportedly unable to obtain their PVCs.
Adeyeri had expressed concern that the situation could affect eligible voters’ participation in the 2027 general elections and urged INEC to establish what happened to the cards.
In a statement issued in Akure, the NDC candidate said electoral authorities should not take the complaints lightly, stressing that every eligible voter should have an opportunity to obtain a voter card and participate in the electoral process.
He warned that failure to address the concerns could generate suspicion and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.
“The credibility of an election begins with ensuring that eligible voters are not denied the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights. INEC should investigate this matter without delay and provide clarity to the affected residents,” Adeyeri said.
However, INEC rejected the allegation, describing it as incorrect and misleading.
In a statement signed by its Head of Voter Education and Publicity in Ondo State, Olayinka Ogunseye, on behalf of Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mutiu Agboke, the commission explained that the dispute arose from a misunderstanding of the categories of PVCs currently available for collection.
According to INEC, the cards available for collection were those belonging to applicants who transferred their voter registration and registrants captured during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which ran from August to December 2025.
PVCs for registrants captured during the second and third phases of the CVR had not yet been produced or delivered for collection.
The commission said the collection register contained names of registrants from all three phases, even though only cards from the first phase and transfer applicants were available.
As a result, some people whose names appeared in the register could not find their cards at the collection point.
INEC said the situation occurred at Polling Unit 12, Igbeyinadun Quarters, Registration Area/Ward 07, Oka V, A Owalusin/Ayepe, in Akoko South-West Local Government Area.
It maintained that its records showed that the number of PVCs received for the polling unit corresponded with the number supplied by its national headquarters in Abuja.
“Every card received is accounted for,” the commission said.
Agboke consequently ruled out an investigation, arguing that cards that had not been produced or delivered could not be classified as missing.
The commission also urged politicians, political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to verify information with its state office before making public statements capable of creating anxiety, suspicion or undermining confidence in the electoral process.
INEC further announced that PVC collection at ward level ended on Thursday, October 15, 2026, with collection moving to its offices in the 18 local government areas of Ondo State from Friday, October 16.
Registrants whose cards are ready have been advised to collect them promptly, while those with complaints or enquiries are encouraged to visit their respective INEC local government offices or the state office in Akure.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying votes cast by the electorate would determine the outcome of elections in Ondo State.
“Nothing will determine the winner of any election in Ondo State other than the votes of the people,” INEC said.
