Independent National Electoral Commission says Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for all new registrants in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT as well as requests for transfers and replacement of damaged cards have been printed and are available in all the six Area Councils for collection.
A Statement from the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Mr Festus Okoye appeals to FCT citizens who applied for fresh registration as well as transfer and replacement of the PVCs to go immediately and collect their cards to avoid last minute rush.
Mr Okoye notes that the commission will meet with the various stakeholders next week to discuss the preparations of the elections to be conducted this year.
The statement also indicates that 26th February has been fixed by INEC to conduct bye elections in six constituencies in four States following the declaration of vacancies by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Speakers of some State Houses of Assembly as follows:
1. Akure North/Akure South Federal Constituency, Ondo State
2. Jos North/Bassa Federal Constituency, Plateau State
3. Pankshin South State Constituency, Plateau State
4. Ogoja/Yala Federal Constituency, Cross River State
5. Akpabuyo State Constituency, Cross River State
6. Ngor-Okpala State Constituency, Imo State.
The statement further says that some of the vacancies is as a result of the death of the previous occupants; substantial disruption of the electoral process and fulfillment of constitutional and legal requirements in the electoral process.
It also indicates that Ekiti East 1 State Constituency election will be conducted same day with the Governorship election in Ekiti, which will hold on 18th June 2022.
It further states that INEC is consulting with security agencies and stakeholders relating to the vacancy in Shinkafi State Constituency of Zamfara State while the Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly has not declared vacancy in relation to Giwa State Constituency of Kaduna State.
According to the statement official notification for the elections will be published next week.
RN