The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the time frame for collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) by eight (8) days.
The decision taken at the Commission’s regular meeting held on Thursday 12th January 2023 indicates that collection of PVC instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, will continue until Sunday 29th January, 2023.
According to a signed statement by Bar Festus Okoye National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, the Commission 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, Okoye stated, over 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to Ward level started on Saturday 6th January 2023.
He said that the Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:
Collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
Meanwhile,the Commission is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs as those found culpable will face disciplinary action and prosecution.
Okoye also stated that INEC is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations.
This 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.
Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.
He said the Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards. Nevertheless, issuing officers should compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisors for the attention of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) who shall compile and forward them for necessary action.
The Commission appreciates the patience and perseverance of citizens as we continue to finetune our process to make the collection of PVCs easier.
