Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared a work-free day for all public servants in the state to allow them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), according to Channels Television.
The announcement, reported on Monday, July 27, 2026, comes as the state prepares for its upcoming gubernatorial election. The work-free day is intended to boost voter turnout by removing work-related barriers to PVC collection.
The decision follows concerns raised by civil society organizations and political parties about the PVC collection process. The Guardian Nigeria News reported that EU-backed CSOs have identified 13 local government areas in Osun as flashpoints for potential electoral violence. Meanwhile, Punch Newspapers noted that Accord party candidates in the state have accused police of intimidation and called for President Tinubu’s intervention.
TheCable reported that a political analyst, Oyintiloye, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to simplify PVC collection ahead of the election. Vanguard News added that CSOs have called on INEC and the police to ensure neutrality and a credible poll.
The work-free day is a direct response to these calls for improved voter access. It remains to be seen whether INEC will extend collection hours or introduce other measures to accommodate the expected surge in PVC pickup on the designated day.
