TheCable

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will soon release the timeline and procedure for the collection of new permanent voters cards (PVCs).

Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, said this on Wednesday at the stakeholders’ forum by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (CSSR) in Abuja.

There have been complaints by Nigerians on social media about the inability to collect PVCs despite assurances by INEC that the cards would be ready in November.

Earlier this month, members of the Big Tent, a group in the Labour Party (LP), besieged the INEC headquarters in Abuja to demand the release of PVCs to Nigerians who have been successfully registered.

Speaking on Wednesday, the INEC chairman said with three months to the general election, the commission has made progress in the production and delivery of critical sensitive and non-sensitive election materials to its state offices.

“On the collection of permanent voters cards (PVCs) for fresh registrations in 2022 as well as applicants for transfer to other polling units and the replacement of damaged or lost cards, we wish to assure Nigerians that the commission will soon release the timelines and procedure for the collection of PVCs,” he said.

“With the ongoing display of the register for claims and objections, the commission considered it appropriate to conclude the process so that the cards will not be in the hands of ineligible registrants who may attempt to use them during the election. We understand the anxiety of Nigerians to collect their PVCs and appeal for a little patience as we speedily conclude the necessary safeguards for a transparent process.”

Yakubu said the insecurity in the country is a source for concern, adding that the challenge is compounded by attacks on campaigns, rallies and processions across all political parties.

“Although the provisions of the electoral act 2022 and the commission’s regulations and guidelines for political parties are clear, the commission has found it necessary to remind political parties, candidates and their supporters on the provisions of the law and their responsibilities,” he said.

“Accordingly, tomorrow Thursday 24th November 2022, the commission will release a summary highlighting the legal provisions governing the conduct of political rallies, processions and campaigns. This will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms.

“Turning to campaign finance, the commission is determined to tackle the matter frontally. Areas of violation include party and candidate expenditure beyond what is provided by law and the diabolical practice of vote buying at polling units on election day. Here again, the commission will tomorrow Thursday 24th November 2022 publish a summary of the guidelines on finances and election expenses of parties and candidates.”