Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared Tuesday, July 28, 2026, a work-free day for public servants across the state to enable them collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The directive applies to all categories of state public servants, including local government employees and staff of state-owned tertiary institutions. However, workers providing essential services, such as healthcare personnel and security operatives, are expected to make arrangements to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the decision was taken to give eligible voters enough time to collect their PVCs before the distribution exercise closes. The Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, has also conveyed the directive through an official circular to all government institutions.

Governor Adeleke urged all registered voters, including those in the informal sector, to take advantage of the opportunity to obtain their PVCs, stressing that participation in the governorship election is both a civic responsibility and a crucial step in shaping the future of Osun State.

The work-free day forms part of efforts by the state government to encourage greater voter participation and ensure that eligible residents are fully prepared to exercise their democratic rights during the forthcoming governorship poll.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osita Okechukwu, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to concentrate on delivering free, fair and credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections. He said the integrity of the electoral process remains vital to Nigeria’s democracy.

Okechukwu dismissed allegations by opposition parties that INEC operates in favour of the ruling APC, maintaining that the party’s electoral successes have been achieved through democratic legitimacy rather than institutional bias. He stressed that the commission should remain independent and committed to credible polls.

The former Director-General of the Voice of Nigeria (VON) argued that the APC has nothing to gain from a compromised electoral process, adding that transparent elections would strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions and ensure that the will of the people prevails.

He also encouraged political parties and stakeholders to support peaceful campaigns and respect electoral laws, noting that credible elections are essential for national stability and democratic consolidation.

Okechukwu concluded by urging INEC to remain focused on its constitutional responsibilities and resist political pressure as preparations for the 2027 polls gather pace.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15 Osun State election, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), has urged residents to keep their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) safe and resist any attempt to sell them ahead of the poll.

Speaking during a campaign rally in the Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, Oyebamiji encouraged newly registered voters to collect their PVCs from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that the voter card remains the most important tool for participating in the democratic process.

He described the PVC as the electorate’s “power” and “licence” to choose their leaders, warning residents against selling their votes or allowing anyone to influence their electoral choices through financial inducement.

Oyebamiji also assured voters that they would be free to cast their ballots without intimidation, warning that security agencies would take decisive action against anyone attempting to harass or disrupt the electoral process. He urged residents not to be discouraged by rumours of possible violence, insisting that they should come out peacefully and exercise their civic rights.

The APC candidate further promised inclusive governance if elected, pledging to prioritise agriculture, education, healthcare, commerce, and infrastructure while ensuring balanced development across all parts of Osun State.