INEC extends candidate submission deadline to August 11, suspends PVC collection in Osun

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has granted political parties an extension for submitting candidate lists for the 2027 governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections. The deadline, initially August 8, now moves to August 11, 2026, accommodating party requests for more time to navigate the online submission portal.

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The submission window, which according to the revised Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election was originally scheduled to close on Saturday, 8th August, 2026, has been extended to Tuesday, 11th August, 2026.

This electoral body's decision comes as it also announced the suspension of Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection in Osun State. This measure precedes the August 15 governorship election in the state. Voters needing replacement cards have until midnight on August 9 to print downloadable versions.

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The commission reiterates that the stolen cards cannot be used to vote.

INEC stated the suspension is necessary to compile data from downloaded PVCs and finalize collection statistics before the election. The commission also provided details on the PVC collection process in Osun, noting extensions and a move to local government levels due to initial difficulties. Stolen cards in two local government areas have been invalidated, with INEC reassuring residents of its readiness for a credible election.

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INEC reassures the people of Osun State of its readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election on 15th August, 2026.