The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has extended the deadline for the collection of the Permanent Voters Card, (PVCs) by eight days.
A statement by the National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee Mr Festus Okoye says that the Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.
According to the statement, instead of the previous deadline which is Sunday 22nd of January, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th of this month from 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).
It indicates that there is also a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows.
“1. Collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one a week from Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023″.
“2. Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023″.
The statement explains that the Commission is investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes to obtain their PVCs.
The commission warns that those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution.
Similarly, the statement indicates that the Commission is disturbed by allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations.
It directs Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and if it does, immediate disciplinary action should be taken against violators.
It added that, the Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards.
RN