By Oyero Abiodun Yakub
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the timeframe for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) nationwide.
The electoral body in a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye Esq., made the announcement on Thursday.
INEC noted that the exercise which was earlier slated to end on Sunday 22nd of January, 2023 has been extended by eight days, and will now end on Sunday 29th January, 2023, with the open hours remaining the same from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm to 3:00 pm daily.
The statement reads in part, “The Commission is determined to ensure that registered voters have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the forthcoming election. For this reason, the timeframe for the collection of PVCs is extended by eight days. Instead of ending on Sunday 22nd January 2023, the collection of PVCs will continue until Sunday 29th January 2023. At the moment, the period of collection is 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily including Saturdays and Sundays.
“As a result of this extension, there is a consequential adjustment of the collection by location as follows:
– collection at Registration Area (Ward) level is extended by one week from Monday 16 – Sunday 22nd, January 2023.
– collection at Local Government level will resume on Monday 23rd – Sunday 29th January, 2023.”
The statement also warned its officials and unscrupulous voters who try to circumvent the collection processes of facing disciplinary action.
It also directed its Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to ensure that there are not cases of disciplinary issuance of the card, as it was reported in some locations.
