ADO EKITI, Ekiti State — The Democratic Integrity Forum (DIF), a civil society organisation, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct an audit of the distribution of permanent voter cards (PVCs) following the conduct of the Ekiti governorship election on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Godwin Omini, the organisation’s national coordinator, said the conduct of the election raised concerns about INEC’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election. He argued that the commission must take proactive steps to restore public confidence in the electoral process by ensuring that all eligible voters have access to their PVCs before the next major electoral cycle.
Omini noted that reports from various polling units in Ekiti State indicated that some registered voters were unable to cast their ballots because they could not locate their PVCs or had not been notified of the collection points. He stated that such challenges undermine the credibility of the electoral process and disenfranchise eligible voters who are willing to participate in the democratic process.
The CSO called on INEC to conduct a comprehensive audit of PVC distribution across all states, particularly in areas where voter turnout was significantly low during the Ekiti election. The organisation also urged the commission to investigate any allegations of irregularities in the PVC collection process and to take corrective measures to ensure that all registered voters are able to collect their cards before the 2027 general election.
According to the organisation, the audit should include a review of the commission’s logistics, communication strategies, and collaboration with community leaders and civil society organisations to ensure that no registered voter is left out. The group also called for the establishment of a transparent mechanism to address complaints from voters who were unable to collect their PVCs.
The CSO further urged INEC to improve its communication with voters, particularly through public awareness campaigns and digital platforms, to ensure that citizens are adequately informed about the location and timeline for PVC collection. The organisation stressed that voter education and sensitisation are critical to increasing voter participation and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The call for a PVC distribution audit comes amid growing scrutiny of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 general election. Some observers have raised concerns about the commission’s capacity to conduct a free, fair, and credible election, given the challenges that have plagued previous electoral cycles.
As the 2027 election approaches, the demand for accountability and transparency in the electoral process is expected to intensify. For now, the Democratic Integrity Forum has added its voice to the call for electoral reform and improved voter access.
