The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has extended the timeframe for collection of PVCs by eight days.
The Commission says it took the decision due to the impressive turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country.
Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs is now scheduled to continue until Sunday 29th January 2023.
A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman
Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye indicated that INEC is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election.
Okoye said “In some of the 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.
“At the moment, the period of collection is 9.00am – 3.00pm daily (including Saturdays and Sundays)”.
The Commission has however adjusted the collection of PVCs by location as a result of the extension to reflect 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.
Meanwhile, the Commission said it is “investigating allegations of extortion by officials at some of the collection centres and inducement by some unscrupulous voters to circumvent processes in order to obtain their PVCs.
“Those found culpable will be 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,” Okoye said.
Okoye further revealed that the Commission has printed 13,868,441 PVCs for all new valid registrants as well as applicants for transfer or replacement of cards.
The Commission directed issuing officers to compile any complaints about non-availability of cards and forward them to their immediate supervisors for the attention of Resident Electoral Commissioners (REC) who are expected to compile and forward them for necessary action.
