Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), made an announcement during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners in Abuja on Monday.

The Edo State governorship election is set for September 21, 2024.

During the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State, a total of 184,438 new voters were registered. This number includes 119,206 new registrations, 8,847 inter-state transfers, and 46,171 intra-state transfers. Additionally, 4,808 voters requested updates to their personal information, while 5,406 applied for replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Yakubu confirmed that all newly printed PVCs have been delivered to INEC’s Benin City office and are now available for collection. From August 22 to August 26, registered voters can pick up their PVCs at any of the 192 Wards in Edo State between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm daily, including weekends. After this period, collection will shift to INEC’s Local Government offices across the state, where voters can retrieve their PVCs from August 28 to September 8, 2024, also from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, including weekends.

Yakubu stated, “I am pleased to report that all PVCs have been printed and are now at our Benin City office. They have been distributed to our Electoral Officers for voter pickup. To facilitate a smooth process, PVCs will be available in all 192 Wards from August 22 to August 26, 2024, daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. After this period, collection will continue at our 18 Local Government offices from August 28 to September 8, 2024, during the same hours.”

He also noted that detailed information about the collection centers has been posted on the INEC website and social media platforms.

Yakubu emphasized that PVCs must be collected in person in accordance with INEC’s policy to prevent electoral fraud. “It is crucial to note that PVCs must be collected personally by the registered voters. No proxies will be allowed to prevent cards from falling into the wrong hands. We urge all voters to collect their PVCs and participate in the election by voting.”

Yakubu reassured voters in Ondo State that similar arrangements are being prepared for their PVC collection ahead of the governorship election in November. “While our immediate focus is on Edo State due to the upcoming election, we are also finalizing plans for Ondo State. Detailed information on PVC collection for Ondo will be provided soon.”