INEC Extends Deadline For Collection Of PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards by eligible registrants.

According to a statement released to newsmen last night by Festus Okoye, National Commissioner & Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, the exercise expected to be concluded on Sunday 22nd January 2023 has been extended by one week and would continue until Sunday 29th January 2023.

The Commission in the statement said it ‘is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country. “

INEC which admitted a rife allegation of extortion of prospective voters anxious to pick their PVCs disclosed that it has commenced its investigation and vowed that those found culpable would be brought to book.

Okoye equally admitted allegations of discriminatory issuance of PVCs in some locations and assured Nigerians that

Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been directed to ensure that no such practices occur nationwide and take immediate disciplinary action against violators.

The statement read in part:” At its regular meeting held today, Thursday 12th January 2023, the Commission deliberated on several issues, including the ongoing collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) nationwide.

“The Commission is encouraged by the turnout of registered voters and the surge in the number of collected PVCs across the country. In some of the States, as many as 100,000 PVCs were collected in the last five days since the devolution to the Ward level, 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).

“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.