…Commission Sets October 9 for Voter Register Display, PVC Collection
The Independent National Electoral Commission has assured voters and other stakeholders in Ondo State that their valid votes will count in the 2027 general election, declaring that the outcome of the poll will be determined by ballots lawfully cast by Nigerians.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Mutiu Olaleke Agboke, gave the assurance on Wednesday in Owo, during a stakeholders’ meeting organised for the Ondo North Senatorial District as part of the commission’s preparations for the 2027 elections.
Agboke, who presided over the meeting, said INEC was committed to conducting a peaceful, credible, transparent and inclusive election, stressing the importance of stakeholders’ cooperation in achieving the objective.
He said, “People’s valid votes will not only count; they will be the determining factor in the next election.”
The REC disclosed that the nationwide display of the Preliminary Register of Voters would commence on October 9, 2026, across the 203 electoral wards in Ondo State.
He urged eligible voters to use the exercise to verify their names and other registration details and make claims or objections where necessary.
According to him, the collection of Permanent Voter Cards will also commence on the same date, urging voters, particularly those who transferred their registration during the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration exercise, to collect their PVCs.
Agboke also charged political parties and other stakeholders to promote issue-based campaigns ahead of the election, while discouraging vote-buying, political violence and other practices capable of undermining the electoral process.
He called for peaceful participation by citizens before, during and after the 2027 general election, stressing that the success of the electoral process required the collective responsibility of INEC, political actors, security agencies, traditional institutions, civil society and voters.
The REC, accompanied by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Adenike Tadese, and members of the state management team, later paid a courtesy visit to the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III.
During the visit, Agboke appealed to the traditional ruler to use his influence to mobilise his subjects for the electoral activities scheduled to begin on October 9.
He particularly urged the monarch to encourage eligible residents to verify their names in the preliminary voters’ register, collect their PVCs and obey the provisions of the electoral law.
Responding, the Olowo commended INEC for its efforts to improve Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly through the deployment of technology.
Oba Ogunoye assured the commission of the continued support of the palace and the Olowo-in-Council, saying the traditional institution would remain available to INEC and other stakeholders working to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
The monarch also pledged to encourage his subjects to participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process.
The meeting attracted representatives from the various local government areas in the Ondo North Senatorial District, including members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security, political parties, religious bodies, the National Union of Road Transport Workers, market leaders, youths, members of the National Youth Service Corps and other critical stakeholders.
The engagement formed part of INEC’s wider stakeholder consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Agboke is expected to lead another stakeholders’ meeting in Akure on Thursday, with a further engagement scheduled to hold in Okitipupa on Friday.
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