Ekiti Governorship Election 2026: Registered Voters Rise to 1.05 Million – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says the number of registered voters for the Ekiti Governorship Election 2026 has risen to 1,059,360 ahead of the June 20 governorship poll in the state.
The updated voter register shows a significant increase from the 987,647 voters recorded during the 2023 general election following the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and subsequent clean-up of the register.
INEC said the increase reflects improved voter participation and inclusion as preparations intensify for the governorship election.
INEC Announces Updated Voter Register
INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, disclosed the figures in a statement issued on Wednesday.
According to the commission, the updated register now contains 1,059,360 registered voters, representing thousands of new voters who were successfully captured during the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
The commission also confirmed that all eligible voters who applied for transfers and replacement voter cards were accommodated.
PVC Collection Surpasses 97 Per Cent
INEC disclosed that the number of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) collected in the state increased from 958,052 in 2023 to 1,028,929 in 2026.
The figure represents a PVC collection rate of 97.1 per cent of registered voters.
According to the commission, the deadline for PVC collection was extended from June 11 to June 14, 2026, following consultations with stakeholders during a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti.
INEC said the extension allowed more eligible voters to obtain their PVCs before the election.
More Than 14,000 Replacement PVCs Processed
The electoral commission further disclosed that it received 14,406 applications for replacement PVCs due to loss, damage or defacement.
INEC said all replacement cards were printed within the stipulated period and that most applicants had already collected their new voter cards.
The commission assured voters that no eligible applicant was excluded from the replacement process.
Downloadable Voter Cards Not Ready Yet
INEC also revealed that the planned introduction of downloadable replacement voter cards could not be implemented for the Ekiti governorship election because the required technological infrastructure has not been fully completed.
However, the commission assured Nigerians that the innovation would be available in subsequent elections.
According to INEC, voters are expected to benefit from the system during the Osun governorship election in August 2026 and the 2027 general elections.
Why the Increase in Registered Voters Matters
The increase in voter registration is expected to influence the political landscape ahead of the Ekiti Governorship Election 2026.
Political analysts believe the expanded voter register could:
- increase voter participation;
- intensify campaign activities;
- shape party strategies;
- influence the eventual outcome of the governorship election.
The high PVC collection rate also indicates strong voter readiness ahead of the poll.
Quick Facts
Election Date: June 20, 2026
Registered Voters (2026): 1,059,360
Registered Voters (2023): 987,647
PVCs Collected: 1,028,929
PVC Collection Rate: 97.1%
Replacement PVC Applications: 14,406
Timeline of Events
May 15, 2026: INEC suspends the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Ekiti.
June 11, 2026: Initial deadline for PVC collection.
June 14, 2026: Extended deadline for PVC collection expires.
June 20, 2026: Ekiti Governorship Election scheduled to hold.
What Happens Next?
Political parties are expected to intensify campaigns across the state as the June 20 governorship election approaches.
INEC says it remains committed to conducting a credible election and has appreciated traditional rulers, political parties, civil society organisations and the media for supporting voter mobilisation efforts in Ekiti State.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many registered voters are in Ekiti State?
INEC says Ekiti State has 1,059,360 registered voters ahead of the June 20, 2026 governorship election.
How many PVCs have been collected?
A total of 1,028,929 Permanent Voters’ Cards have been collected, representing a collection rate of 97.1 per cent.
When will the Ekiti governorship election hold?
The election is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Will downloadable voter cards be available?
No. INEC says the technology infrastructure is not yet ready but will be introduced in future elections, including the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections.
