INEC Extends Deadline For PVC Collection
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the extension for the dates for the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVC).
According to a statement released by the electoral body, collection of PVCs at the registration Area (Ward) level is extended from January 16 to 22 while collection at Local Government level will resume from January 23 to 29.
The INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye, said in a statement,
“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 until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).”
Okoye explained that the development signals “a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:
- Collection at the Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023.
- Collection at the Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
According to him, with reports of INEC officials extorting Nigerians at PVC collection centres, the Commission is launching an investigation into the allegations. Okoye added:
“Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
“Similarly, the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations. This is against the law. All bonafide 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.”
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Read the full statement below…
