By David Gapas, Abuja
Nigerians who registered for the general election commencing next month now have up to Sunday, the 29th of this month, to collect their Permanent Voter Cards PVC.
The electoral umpire, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, explains that this is to enable more registered Nigerians participate in the elections.
The Commission had earlier fixed Sunday, January 22 as the deadline.
INEC National Commissioner Festus Okoye, announced this in a statement at the end of the Commission’s meeting in Abuja Thursday.
The statement reads: “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).”
According to Okoye, this means 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”.
Okoye also announced that INEC had commenced investigations of reports that some of it’s officials are extorting money from people at PVC collection centres.
“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 to take immediate disciplinary action against violators,” Okoye said.
