…as collection begins Aug. 22 in Edo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its strict policy against the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by proxy.
INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu underscored that PVCs must be collected personally to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
This comes as collection of PVCs in Edo State begins on Thursday, 22nd August 2024 through 8th September 2024 ahead of the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday during a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), Prof. Yakubu outlined key activities related to the upcoming governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as several pending bye-elections.
He revealed that 184,438 new voters were registered during the most recent Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise in Edo State. The PVCs for these new registrants have been printed and dispatched to the respective offices.
To facilitate PVC collection, Prof. Yakubu detailed the schedule indicating that cards will be available in all 192 wards in Edo State from August 22 to 26, 2024, and later at 18 Local Government offices from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
A comprehensive register of new voters, including names and photographs, is accessible on INEC’s website for ease of identification. Prof. Yakubu emphasized that PVCs will not be distributed or collected by proxy to prevent misuse.
“The cards will not be distributed or collected by proxy so that they do not end up in the wrong hands,” he asserted, reinforcing INEC’s commitment to preventing voter fraud and ensuring the credibility of the elections.
The chairman also updated the public on the preparations for the Edo State Governorship election, noting that the final voter register will be provided to political parties on August 20, 2024. He assured Ondo State voters that details for PVC collection will be announced soon.
Additionally, Prof. Yakubu reminded media organizations of the September 5, 2024, deadline for accreditation for the Edo State election, with 63 organizations having submitted details for 584 personnel so far.
Prof. Yakubu also expressed gratitude to the meeting attendees and reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
