Osun 2026: Youth Group Urges INEC to Immediately Release PVCs to Eligible Voters
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Youth Advancement Initiative (YAI), Osun State Chapter, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters across the state ahead of the August 2026 governorship election.
In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman of the group, Ambassador Olanrewaju Yusuf Tunde (Uselaw), and the Secretary General, Comrade Adeosun Oluwatobi Michael (Magislord), YAI expressed concern over the delay in issuing PVCs to thousands of eligible residents who completed voter registration, as well as those who applied for voter transfer, relocation, correction of personal details, or replacement of lost or damaged cards.
The group described the delay as “unacceptable,” warning that it could prevent many qualified voters from participating in the forthcoming governorship election.
“The right to vote is a constitutional right and remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy. Any administrative delay that prevents qualified citizens from exercising this right undermines public confidence in the electoral process and disenfranchises thousands of voters, especially young people who have demonstrated their willingness to participate actively in determining the future of our dear state,” the statement read.
YAI urged INEC to begin the distribution of all available PVCs without further delay, insisting that every eligible voter must be given the opportunity to exercise his or her constitutional right.
The group also called on the electoral commission to ensure that newly registered voters receive their PVCs before the election, while applications for voter transfer, relocation, correction of records and replacement of lost or damaged cards are processed promptly.
It further appealed to INEC to provide adequate PVC collection centres across all local government areas and publish clear collection schedules to make the exercise seamless for voters.
The statement cautioned against administrative bottlenecks or last-minute delays capable of disenfranchising eligible citizens.
“With barely about 35 days remaining before the election, time is no longer on our side. Every passing day without PVC distribution reduces the opportunity for eligible voters to participate in the democratic process,” the group stated.
Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful democratic participation, YAI said the youths of Osun State were prepared to take part in the election responsibly and lawfully but stressed that such participation would only be meaningful if every eligible voter had unhindered access to a Permanent Voter Card.
“We therefore call on INEC to rise to its constitutional responsibility by ensuring that no eligible Osun citizen is disenfranchised due to avoidable administrative delays,” the statement added.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a transparent, inclusive, credible and peaceful electoral process, maintaining that every qualified vote must count.