The Independent National Electoral Commission on Monday started the nationwide distribution of Permanent Voter Cards in all 774 of the commission’s local government offices.
In an earlier statement, the commission announced that it had fixed Monday, December 12, 2022, to Sunday, January 22, 2023, for the commencement of the collection ahead of the 2023 general elections.
It was reported that residents of the Federal Capital Territory came out on Monday to the FCT headquarters in Garki, Abuja, to pick up their PVCs.
One of the newsmen on the ground observed residents arriving at the collection venue as early as 7.30am.
Some members of the public who were present for PVC collection commended the INEC and urged the commission to ensure a free and fair election in an interview with our correspondent.
Sanwo-Olu advises citizens
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged residents of the state, who are of voting age to pick up their PVCs from the various INEC offices in their localities.
The governor made the appeal on Monday when he visited the INEC office in the Sura area of Lagos Island to pick up his reprinted PVC alongside his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, and some of his cabinet members.
He said, “Today, INEC officially started the collection of PVCs and because I did a re-designation of my address of where I was and where I am now, I had to move my polling unit.
“I am here to demonstrate to all our citizens that I have complied. I have come to pick up my reprinted Voter’s Card and I want to enjoin everyone to use this opportunity to go out and pick their PVCs.”
Mixed feelings in Edo
However, there were mixed feelings for Edo residents who thronged the various INEC offices on Monday in Benin State to collect their PVCs.
Lucky Osaro who was at the Egor Local government said, “I thought INEC was ready to distribute the PVC but from what I experienced on Monday, it was clear that they were not ready. How can the officials tell us to check back in January which is just a few weeks before the election? I hope this is not a ploy to disenfranchise people.”
Mrs Virginia Nwajorgu, a trader at Egor Local Government office was in tears after she was told by an INEC official that her voter card was not ready.
Smart Ehiorobo lamented the slow process of collection, adding that, inadequate INEC officials were making the process very slow.
The Head, Voter Education Department Edo office, Mr Timidi Wariowei, said the commission was yet to receive reports of the exercise from the various locations.
“We have not received reports yet. The exercise just started today (Monday). If it is established that some cards are not available, we will communicate to Abuja,” he said.
