The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has firmly reiterated its stance that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will not be released to third parties. This announcement was made by Sam Olumekun, INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, in a statement released on Tuesday. Olumekun emphasized that the commission is committed to ensuring that PVCs are collected directly by the voters themselves to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
In a significant development, the distribution of PVCs to new applicants is set to commence across the various local government areas in Edo State. This marks a continuation of INEC’s efforts to ensure that all eligible voters receive their cards in preparation for future elections. Olumekun highlighted that the initial phase of distribution, which took place at the ward level, was highly successful, with a total of 125,928 PVCs collected within a span of just five days. This impressive figure represents 68.3% of the 184,438 new cards issued during the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, indicating a high level of engagement from the electorate.
The successful collection rate achieved during this phase is particularly noteworthy. It stands as the highest percentage of PVCs collected in such a short period since the introduction of the CVR process ahead of off-cycle governorship elections back in 2015. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of INEC’s strategies in mobilizing voters and ensuring that they have access to their PVCs.
Olumekun attributed the success of the ward-level distribution to a carefully coordinated effort by INEC. The commission implemented a strategic approach that involved organizing the PVCs by polling units, wards, and local government areas (LGAs). Furthermore, INEC took proactive steps to inform voters about the availability of their PVCs. This included direct communication with registered voters using the contact information provided during the registration process.
“As earlier announced by the commission, Permanent Voter Cards from the recent Continuous Voter Registration in Edo State would be available for collection at two levels,” Olumekun stated. “First, across all the 192 wards from Thursday, 22, to Monday, 26, August 2024. Secondly, in our 18 LGA offices.”
The comprehensive strategy adopted by INEC was further demonstrated by the production of a collection register, which detailed the names and information of voters whose cards were ready for collection. This register was made publicly accessible by uploading it to the INEC website. Such transparency not only facilitated the collection process but also built trust among the electorate, knowing that their electoral body was organized and committed to upholding democratic processes.
Following the successful conclusion of the ward-level collection phase, INEC is now shifting its focus to the local government areas. Starting from August 28, 2024, voters who have yet to collect their PVCs can do so at the designated INEC offices across the 18 LGAs in Edo State. This phase will run until September 8, 2024, providing ample time for all eligible voters to retrieve their cards.
INEC has made detailed information about the locations of its LGA offices available on its website, encouraging those who have not yet collected their PVCs to do so as soon as possible. Olumekun emphasized the importance of voters collecting their cards in person, reiterating that no PVCs would be handed over by proxy. This policy, according to INEC, is crucial in preventing any form of electoral fraud or abuse and ensures that each voter’s card remains secure until it reaches the rightful owner.
“We appeal to the remaining voters to pick up their PVCs in person from our LGA offices,” Olumekun urged. “The commission reiterates its policy that no cards will be collected by proxy. Detailed information on the locations of our LGA offices is already available on our website.”
This strict adherence to direct collection is part of INEC’s broader efforts to enhance the credibility and transparency of the electoral process in Nigeria. By ensuring that PVCs are collected only by their rightful owners, INEC is safeguarding the integrity of the upcoming elections and upholding the trust placed in the electoral system by the Nigerian people.
As INEC continues to prepare for future elections, the successful collection of PVCs in Edo State serves as a promising indicator of voter engagement and readiness. It also reflects the commission’s commitment to overcoming logistical challenges and ensuring that all eligible voters are empowered to participate in the democratic process. As the collection process moves to the LGA level, it is expected that INEC will continue to engage with voters, providing them with the necessary information and support to collect their PVCs efficiently. The coming days will be crucial as the commission seeks to build on the momentum gained during the ward-level distribution, ensuring that every eligible voter in Edo State is equipped with their PVC and ready to exercise their right to vote.
