Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has approved Tuesday, July 28, 2026, as a work-free day for all public servants in the state to enable them to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the forthcoming gubernatorial election. The directive, conveyed by the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, covers state civil servants, local government employees, and staff of tertiary institutions, with essential service workers required to make alternative arrangements to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.
Governor Issues Circular to Public Servants
According to the circular addressed to the entire public service, the approval was granted to allow workers fulfil their civic duty in preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial election and future polls in Osun State. The directive specifically includes employees across all categories of the state's public service, but exempts no worker from the expectation to collect their PVCs. Instead, those on essential duties, such as medical personnel and security staff, are advised to coordinate among themselves to maintain service continuity without impacting residents' lives.
The governor's spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, issued a statement on behalf of Adeleke, reinforcing the importance of voter participation. Adeleke urged both public servants and informal sector workers to prioritize obtaining their voter cards before the August governorship election.
Adeleke Appeals to Voters
"I encourage all registered voters to reach all the collection points without delay. Your vote is your power. Your voters card is your licence to the ballot paper and by extension to the ballot box," Adeleke said in the statement. The governor emphasized that the upcoming election is critical to the future of Osun State, and that every registered voter must exercise their right.
The work-free day is part of broader efforts by the Adeleke administration to boost voter participation ahead of the gubernatorial poll. The PVC collection drive has been a central component of these efforts, with the government urging citizens to collect their cards at designated collection points across the state.
Essential Workers to Maintain Services
The circular noted that workers on essential duties are not automatically exempted from the expectation to collect their PVCs. However, they are directed to make arrangements among themselves to ensure uninterrupted service delivery and avoid any negative impact on the lives of residents. This includes scheduling staggered collection times or coordinating with colleagues to cover shifts.
The governor's administration has consistently encouraged voter participation since the beginning of his tenure. The decision to declare a work-free day underscores the importance placed on the electoral process and the need for all eligible voters to be prepared for the election.
Background and Context
The Osun State gubernatorial election is scheduled for August 2026, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) setting deadlines for PVC collection. The Adeleke government has been proactive in ensuring that public servants, who form a significant portion of the electorate, have the opportunity to collect their cards without sacrificing their work responsibilities.
Governor Adeleke's appeal extends beyond public servants to all registered voters in the state, emphasizing that the future of Osun State depends on the participation of its citizens. The work-free day is expected to increase PVC collection rates and voter turnout in the upcoming election.
