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| L-R, Bunmi Omoseyindemi, residence electoral commissiner Ekiti State, Tundun Babalola, resident electoral commissiner Ondo State and Mahmood Yakubu, chairman INEC during a meeting with the RECs in Abuja. |
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its stance against the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by proxy. Speaking at a meeting with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) today in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, emphasized that PVCs must be collected in person to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu detailed the upcoming activities related to the Edo and Ondo State governorship elections and other bye-elections. He reported that 184,438 new voters were registered during the last Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State. These new voters will be issued their PVCs, which have already been printed and delivered to the respective offices.
Prof. Yakubu highlighted the commission's efforts to streamline the PVC collection process. Cards will be available for collection in all 192 wards in Edo State from 22nd to 26th August 2024, and subsequently in the 18 Local Government offices from 28th August to 8th September 2024. The comprehensive register of the new voters, including their names and photographs, has been uploaded to INEC's website to facilitate easy identification and collection.
Despite these measures, Prof. Yakubu stressed that under no circumstances will PVCs be distributed or collected by proxy. "The cards will not be distributed or collected by proxy so that they do not end up in the wrong hands," he stated. This policy is part of INEC’s broader strategy to maintain the credibility of the electoral process and prevent voter fraud.
The INEC Chairman also provided updates on the Edo State Governorship election preparations, announcing that the final register of voters will be presented to political parties fielding candidates. He assured voters in Ondo State that arrangements for the collection of their PVCs are being finalized, with details to be announced soon.
In addition, Prof. Yakubu reminded media organizations of the accreditation deadline for the Edo State Governorship election, urging those interested to meet the 5th September 2024 deadline. He noted that 63 organizations have so far uploaded the details of 584 personnel for accreditation.
In conclusion, Prof. Yakubu thanked the attendees and reiterated INEC's commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
