The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced the extension of deadline for the collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs) nationwide from January 22 to January 29.
The commission had earlier fixed January 22 as the closing date following the relocation of collection centres to the wards and registration areas for ease of collection.
The commission’s national commissioner and chairman, information and voter education committee, Mr. Festus Okoye, who announced the extension in a statement issued in Abuja, said the decision for extension of time was taken at the end of INEC’s regular meeting, where the issue and others were deliberated.
He appraised the exercise so far saying the commission was 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 January 6, 2023. The commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“For this reason, the timeframe for collection of PVCs is extended by eight (seven) days. Instead of ending on January 22, 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until January 29, 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am to 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).
“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 January 16 to 22, 2023.
“Collection at Local Government level will resume on January 23 to 29, 2023,” he said.
On the complaints by some persons about non-availability of their PVCs, Okoye said the commission had printed all PVCs of new registrants and those who requested transfer.
Nevertheless, he directed issuing officers to compile complaints on unavailability of cards.
“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 reads.
“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 fine-tune our process to make the collection of PVCs easier,” he added.
Okoye also disclosed that the commission was investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some voters to circumvent processes to obtain their PVCs.
He said those found guilty would face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
“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,” the statement reads.
“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is 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,” he stated.
