CVR: INEC REC, Adeniran Tella Reveals Number Of Uncollected PVCs In Oyo Zone
By Moses Salawu
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Oyo State, Prof. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, has disclosed that no fewer than 515,254 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain uncollected across the state, describing the figure as a serious concern for democratic participation.
Prof. Tella made the disclosure on Thursday, February 12, 2026, during a Voter Education and Enlightenment Programme held at Atiba University, Oyo, for the second phase of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He revealed that in Oyo Zone alone, 44,742 PVCs remain uncollected across four local government areas, Atiba (16,528), Oyo West (9,305), Oyo East (11,599) and Afijio (7,310), representing 8.7 per cent of uncollected cards in the state.
“Each uncollected PVC represents a silent voice, a surrendered power and a missed opportunity to influence the future of Oyo State and Nigeria,” the REC stated.
Prof. Tella explained that the second phase of the CVR, which began on January 5, 2026, followed the suspension of the first phase on December 10, 2025. Under a new strategy aimed at addressing accessibility concerns, INEC has deployed and is rotating its Voter Enrolment Device (IVED) machines across all 351 registration areas in Oyo State.
The machines, he said, commenced operation on February 9 and will run for 50 days from 9am to 3pm daily, excluding weekends and public holidays, with suspension scheduled for April 10, 2026.
“We are changing the narrative that INEC is not accessible. The machines will move from community to community, ensuring that every eligible citizen, even in remote areas, has the opportunity to register,” he said.
According to him, the CVR exercise is open to Nigerians who have just turned 18, those who have never registered, individuals seeking transfer of voting location, and those with lost or damaged PVCs.
As of February 2, 2026, the Commission has recorded 103,258 new registered voters in the ongoing exercise.
While urging citizens to register, the REC stressed that registration alone is insufficient without PVC collection.
He clarified that PVC collection must be done in person at respective INEC Local Government offices, adding that proxy collection is not permitted.
The event, attended by traditional rulers, community leaders, artisans, market men and women, religious leaders, youth and women groups, as well as security agencies and political stakeholders, focused particularly on sensitising Nigerians on their role in strengthening democracy.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder of Atiba University described the programme as a reflection of collective commitment to nation-building and responsible citizenship.
He noted that universities serve as platforms for shaping informed and ethically grounded leaders.
Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution described the initiative as a bridge between academic learning and civic responsibility, urging participants to carry the knowledge gained beyond the university into their communities.
Prof. Tella reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to credible, transparent, inclusive and legally compliant elections, as part of preparations for future electoral activities, including the 2027 General Elections.
The event also featured a practical demonstration of the voter registration process, where participants were guided on how to complete pre-registration, update personal details, and understand the requirements for valid registration. INEC officials clarified common misconceptions surrounding the CVR process and encouraged attendees to disseminate accurate information within their communities..
