The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of the Permanent Voters Card ahead of the 2023 general election.
INEC noted that more Nigerians are preparing to exercise their civic duties and have turned out in their thousands to collect their PVC.
The electoral agency added that at it’s regular meeting held today, Thursday 12th January 2023, the Commission deliberated on a number of issues, including the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) nationwide.
“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 on Saturday 6ih January 2023,” INEC’s National Commissioner & chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said.
“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 PVC is extended by eight days. Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVC will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of the collection by, location s follows:
1. Collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 161h – Sunday 22nd January 2023,
2. Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 20th 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. Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
Similarly, INEC said it was disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in Some locations. This s against the law. All bona fide 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.
“For the record, 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 once again appreciates the patience and perseverance of citizens as we continue to finetune our process (o make the collection of PVC easier,” INEC said.
