Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the deadline for collection of permanent voters’ cards, (PVCs,) nationwide, from Sunday 22nd January 2023 to Sunday 29th January 2023.
A statement by NEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, isaid the commission is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country.
“The Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election. For this reason, the timeframe for collection of PVCs is extended by eight days.
“Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays),” the statement said.
The commission noted that “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 week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
“Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
Meanwhile, INEC said it 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.
It vowed that those found culpable will face disciplinary action or prosecution.
The commission further stated that it is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations.
It added that this is against the law, stressing that 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.
“The Commission once again appreciates the patience and perseverance of citizens as we continue to finetune our process to make the collection of PVCs easier,” it said.
