The Deji of Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, has pledged the support of the palace and the Deji-in-Council for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in mobilising eligible voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general election.

The monarch gave the assurance when the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, paid him a courtesy visit at his palace in Akure.

Agboke, who was accompanied by the Administrative Secretary, Mrs Victoria Adelusi, and other members of the Commission's management team, solicited the cooperation of traditional institutions in promoting voter participation and ensuring a hitch-free electoral process.

He acknowledged the strategic role of traditional rulers in Nigeria's electoral system, particularly their influence in promoting civic responsibility, peaceful coexistence and democratic participation at the grassroots.

The REC urged the monarch to use his position and influence to encourage his subjects to participate in ongoing electoral activities, particularly the collection of PVCs.

He disclosed that more than 200,000 PVCs were yet to be collected across Ondo State, warning that failure by eligible voters to collect their cards could deny them the opportunity to exercise their voting rights in the forthcoming election.

Agboke also assured the monarch that INEC was making necessary preparations for the 2027 general election, disclosing that the Commission had commenced receiving non-sensitive election materials, while other logistical and operational arrangements were ongoing.

He said the Commission was committed to conducting a credible, peaceful and seamless election.

Responding, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, Odundun II, commended INEC for its efforts towards strengthening the electoral process and improving the credibility of elections in the country.

The monarch assured the REC of the unwavering support of the palace and the Deji-in-Council, noting that the palace would remain open to INEC and other stakeholders committed to the development of Akure Kingdom, Ondo State and Nigeria.

He also pledged to mobilise his subjects and encourage them to participate peacefully in the electoral process by ensuring that all eligible voters collect their PVCs ahead of the 2027 general election.

The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between INEC and traditional institutions in promoting voter education, boosting public confidence and encouraging wider participation in the country's democratic process.