By Ezeocha Nzeh
Earlier doubts over the possibility of the Independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a credible election in 2023 has increased, following reports of un collected Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) allegedly buried at the compound of an un named prominent politicians across the country
A viral video trending online has shown PVCs allegedly buried underground in some locations, including the compound of a high profile politician in the country
Reacting to the circulation video the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will commence investigations to unravel the truth behind the video
INEC in a statement by its National Commissioner, in charge of Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, while reacting to the allegation, said the commission is not taking the allegation lightly, adding that anyone found palpable will be dealt according to the law
“The attention of the Commission has been drawn to videos trending online of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) allegedly buried underground in some locations, including the compound of a high-profile person.
“The Commission is not taking these allegations lightly. We have commenced immediate investigation and anyone found culpable in this diabolical scheme clearly intended to disenfranchise Nigerians will be sanctioned under the law. Every eligible Nigerian who registered as a voter is entitled to his/her PVC. The constitutional right to vote in any election must never be suppressed or abridged in any way.
“As far as the record of the Commission is concerned, PVCs have been printed for all valid registrants in Nigeria up to 14th January 2022 and delivered to all the States of the Federation for collection by voters. We will not allow retrogressive elements to sabotage our efforts.” INEC stated
The commission noted further that issues of voter registration, compilation of the voters’ roll and issuance of PVCs are at the heart of any democratic elections, adding that the Commission is working hard to ensure that every eligible citizen who appears in person at the registration venue is registered. We assure Nigerians that this matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.
“Already, the Commission is reviewing the procedure for collecting PVCs to make it less cumbersome and more transparent. This will be a major topic at the next regular quarterly meeting with stakeholders so that working together we can find a lasting solution to the issue.
“Meanwhile, we appeal to those who found the allegedly buried PVCs to deliver them to our nearest State or Local Government office. This will be their patriotic contribution to the consolidation of our electoral process.”
