2027: Over 166,000 PVCs Unclaimed in Kwara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State has raised concern over the fate of more than 166,800 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) still unclaimed by eligible residents. He warned that the situation could weaken voter participation in future elections. This is just as INEC seeks collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) […]

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State has raised concern over the fate of more than 166,800 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) still unclaimed by eligible residents.

He warned that the situation could weaken voter participation in future elections.

This is just as INEC seeks collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to curb electoral malpractices in the state ahead of the 2027 election.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Hale Gabriel Longpet, disclosed the figure weekend during a courtesy visit to the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.

He said the high number of uncollected cards underscored the urgent need for citizens to engage more actively in the ongoing voter registration and collection process.

According to him, “About 166,800 PVCs remain uncollected in Kwara as at today. I want to boost the voting strength of Kwara, but I cannot do that without people coming out to participate in voter registration”.

The REC emphasised that credible elections require the collective effort of all stakeholders to uphold transparency and accountability before, during and after voting.

He appealed to residents to take advantage of the current voter registration exercise and collect their cards, noting that increased voter turnout would strengthen democratic representation

Dr Longpet expressed optimism that with EFCC’s support, the incidence of financial inducement during elections could be significantly reduced to improve public confidence in the process.

Welcoming the INEC delegation, EFCC Zonal Director, Daniel Isei, assured the Commission of EFCC’s readiness to support efforts aimed at delivering free, fair and credible polls in Kwara.

Combating corruption, he noted, also means tackling electoral offences such as vote buying, bribery and other financial inducements that undermine the integrity of the polls.

The visit, which took place at the EFCC office in the Government Reservation Area of Ilorin, was part of Dr Longpet’s familiarisation tour of key stakeholders in the state.

It also served to strengthen collaboration between the two agencies in safeguarding the integrity of elections.