Brave Dickson
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has extended the collection of permanent voter cards by eight days, which means the collection of PVCs will now end on Sunday, January 2023.
You recall that the electoral umpire had on January 6, 2023, devolved the collection of PVCs to registered areas across the various wards of the country for easy collection of PVCs.
A press statement made available to our correspondent and signed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said the commission has printed 13, 868, 441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards.
The statement read in parts that, “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, as many as 100, 000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to ward level started in January 6, 2023.
“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 the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days.
“Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January, 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue till Sunday 29th January, 2023.
“At the moment, the period of collection is 9am – 3pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of collection by location as follows:
1) Collection at registration area (Ward) level is extended by one week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
2) Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January, 2023.”
INEC also said it is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent the process in order to collect their PVCs.
The commission added that those found culpable will face disciplinary actions and/or prosecution.
