The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced an extension of the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, January 29, 2023.
The initial deadline was set for Sunday, January 22, 2023. The decision to extend the deadline was made during a regular meeting held today, Thursday 12th January 2023.
INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye stated 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 January 22, 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday January 29, 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00 am – 3.00 pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays).”
Okoye also explained that the commission is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country. In some states, as many as 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to Ward level started on Saturday 6th January 2023.
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 Monday 16th – Sunday 22nd January 2023. Collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January 2023.
INEC is also investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centers 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” said Okoye.
Furthermore, 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,” the statement reads partly.
The commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards. 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 it continues to fine-tune its process to make the collection of PVCs easier. The commission urges all eligible voters to take advantage of the extended collection period and collect their PVCs at the earliest possible time.
