By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Apparently listening to the voice of reason and a desire to allow registered Nigerians participate in the 2023 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) until Sunday, January 29, 2023.
Prompt News reports that INEC had earlier fixed the deadline for the collection of Permanent Voters Card (PVC) at the Registration Areas/ Wards for Sunday, January 22 2023.
However, after a crucial meeting in Abuja on Thursday, INEC said it has decided to extend the deadline by eight days.
According to a statement made available to journalists in Abuja by INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of Information and Voter Education Barrister Festus Okoye, the Commission has pushed forward the deadline for the collection of PVCs.
The statement read in parts: “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).”
Okoye explained that the development signals “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.
According to him, with reports of INEC officials extorting Nigerians at PVC collection centres, the Commission is launching an investigation into the allegations.
“Those found culpable will face disciplinary action and/or prosecution,” Okoye added.
“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.”
