The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified its push for voter participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, urging eligible residents of Oyo State to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and use them to shape both their personal futures and the democratic trajectory of the region.
At a press briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Oyo State, Dr. Adeniran Tella, appealed to citizens who have already registered to pick up their PVCs — stressing that the cards are not merely pieces of plastic, but vital tools for exercising political power and accountability.
Dr. Tella appealed directly to members of the electorate, expressing concern that hundreds of registered voters have yet to collect theirs from INEC offices across the state.
“Your voter’s card is *not just a piece of PVC; it is your licence to shape the future, to choose your leaders and to hold them accountable,” he said, describing the card as a “potent weapon” in democratic participation.
He reminded residents that while many Nigerians have registered, a significant number haven’t made the final step of physically retrieving their cards, an essential requirement to vote when the polls open.
Dr. Tella acknowledged that the commission has identified logistical challenges during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) process and said steps are being taken to mitigate barriers before the 2027 polls.
“Having reviewed the challenges and feedback from the initial Phase, one message was clear: accessibility remains a key hurdle,” *he said, underscoring the need for more inclusive outreach.
To improve ease of access, the commission is rolling out a “pioneering state-wide strategy” that includes the rotational movement of INEC Voter Enrollment Device (IVED) machines across all 351 registration areas in Oyo State, a bid to bring registration points closer to the grassroots and remove obstacles that might deter eligible voters.
Dr. Tella also made a strong appeal to the media and civil society to amplify awareness of voter registration and PVC collection efforts. He stressed that INEC counts on their cooperation to “encourage full participation” not only from newly registered voters but also those who are yet to collect their cards.
“The commission, therefore, counts on the cooperation of the media to disseminate this information and also to encourage full participation…” *he said, pointing to the role of the press in strengthening democratic engagement.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to conducting elections with “the highest levels of integrity, transparency and efficiency.” He assured that preparations are ongoing to ensure a credible and inclusive ballot in 2027.
The renewed push for PVC collection in Oyo follows a nationwide drive by INEC to bolster voter turnout and broaden participation, efforts that include public education on registration processes and the importance of PVCs in democratic governance.
