'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the availability of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for collection in Ondo State ahead of the gubernatorial election. This move is in line with the Commission's commitment to ensuring that eligible voters can exercise their civic duty in the upcoming election.
In a press release issued on Monday, October 14, 2024, Sam Olumekun, National Commissioner and Chairman of INEC's Information and Voter Education Committee, confirmed that PVCs have been printed and delivered to the state office in Akure following the conclusion of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). A total of 89,777 new PVCs are ready for collection, comprising 58,708 for new voters and 31,069 for those who applied for transfers, updates, or replacements of lost and damaged PVCs.
INEC has designated two phases for PVC collection. The first phase will occur across the 203 wards in Ondo State from Thursday, October 17 to Monday, October 21, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. The second phase will run at INEC's 18 Local Government Area (LGA) offices from Wednesday, October 23 to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
During these periods, both new PVCs and those from previous registrations will be available for collection. Importantly, INEC reiterated that voters must collect their PVCs in person, as collection by proxy is not allowed. This policy ensures that each registered voter personally receives their card, reducing any risk of irregularities.
For ease of access, INEC has uploaded detailed information on the location addresses of the ward and LGA collection centres to its website and social media platforms. Additionally, the register of new voters will be posted at designated collection centres and uploaded online to facilitate easy identification and smooth collection of the PVCs.
The Ondo governorship election is pivotal, and INEC is urging all registered voters to take advantage of this window to collect their PVCs, as this is the only means by which they can participate in the voting process.
INEC’s efficient preparation, including making the backlog of uncollected PVCs from previous registrations available, highlights the commission's determination to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.
The race for Ondo’s governorship promises to be keenly contested, and the availability of PVCs ensures that the electorate is empowered to make their voices heard at the ballot box.