FRI. 13 JANUARY, 2023-theGBJournal| The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Thursday announced the extension of the timeframe for collection of Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) nationwide.
”Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd of January, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday Sunday 29th January 2023. At moment, the period of collection is 9.00am-3.00pm daily, including Saturdays and Sundays,” the Commission said.
The extension follows the Commission’s regular meeting in which it said the extension reflects its determination to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.
INEC also announced adjustment of the collection of PVCs by location. It said collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by a week from Monday 16th-Sunday 22nd January 2023 while collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd- Sunday 29th January 2023.
The Commission said it is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country.
”In some of the States, as many as 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to Ward level started on Sunday 6th January 2023.”
Meanwhile, the Commission said it is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some ”unscrupulous” voters circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs in some locations.
”Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution,” it warned.
The Commission added that it is equally disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. and warned the act is against the law.
”All bonafide registrants are entitled to their PVCs and to use them to vote on Election Day in any part of the country where they are registered,” INEC said.
So far, 13, 868, 441 PVCs has been printed by the Commission for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards.
Twitter-@theGBJournal|Facebook-The Government and Business Journal|email:gbj@govbusinessjournal.ng|govandbusinessj@gmail.com
