The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced it has extended the date for collection of Permanent Voters Cards, PVC, until, January 29th, 2023 to allow more Nigerian s opportunity to exercise their franchise.
The commission also warns its staff if there is anyone involved in the allegation of discriminatory issuance of the PVC as reported in some places, saying it is the right of every eligible citizen to have PVC. This was made known yesterday in a statement by the commission through its commissioner, Festus Okoye.
The electoral umpire had earlier scheduled January 22 as the last date for the collection of the PVC; however, after careful consideration by the commission, it had to shift its goalpost yesterday.
The statement released partly reads, “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.
Okoye added, “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 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).”
The statement further clarifies that at the ward level, the collection/registration has now been increased from 16th to 22nd January while the collection at the Local Government level has been pushed to Monday 23 to 29th January 2023.
The commission warned its staff from any form of dubious act that will paint the umpire in a bad light, adding that any airing staff found wanting will be sanctioned.
Meanwhile, it revealed the commission is already investigating the allegation of extortion reported in some units against its staff.
