2023: We Are Working Hard Not To Disenfranchise IDPs  –  INEC

Benue State resident electoral commissioner Prof Sam Egwu has disclosed that the commission is working assiduously to ensure that people who have been displaced and living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps across the state with their PVCs were allowed to participate in the elections.

He disclosed this when the state governor Samuel Ortom paid a courtesy call at the INEC headquarters in Makurdi where he appealed to INEC not to postpone this year’s general election on claims of insecurity as speculated.

Governor Ortom also appealed to the commission to consider extending the deadline for the collection of permanent voters’ cards, PVCs, to enable all those who registered to obtain their cards to vote during the polls.

The commissioner stated that although the collection of PVCs at the ward level would end on Sunday, the process would continue at the local government level till a few days to the elections.

Egwu however told Governor Ortom that his request for the extension would be forwarded to the chairman of the commission, pointing out that it was in the best interest of the commission to give out all the PVCs.

He commended the governor for ensuring a level playing field for all political parties in the state, noting that he has not heard any single incident of the opposition being denied the opportunity to reach out to their supporters.

He noted that, the skepticism that has arisen following a statement,  purported to have emanated from INEC about fears of insecurity ahead of 2023 elections should be discountenanced.

He said, “Our prayer is that whatever happens, let us go ahead and conduct the elections because Nigerians and Benue State people are eagerly waiting for it. Let us not create a situation where enemies of this country will take advantage. These elections must be conducted.

“In my own little way of suggesting and helping INEC and of course the Federal Government, if there are specific areas where insecurity is intense and there are problems, they should work towards shifting the elections not postponing the elections and when the other places are completed, they can go back and complete it and announce results.”

According to him, “I understand that collecting Permanent Voters Card, PVCs at the ward level is terminated on Sunday and then the other ones at the local government. I want to appeal if it is possible, because this one is not about politics, it is not about partisanship, it is not about political parties, it is about everybody, but looking at what the result is for today, I want to appeal if that can be extended for one week.

“If it is possible, the Benue State Government will appreciate it so that everybody will have the right to collect his or her PVC. If it can be extended, that will be fine, but if not, we can still manage with the directive of INEC.”

While congratulating the resident electoral commissioner on his appointment and posting to the state, the governor said, “All that we seek and desire from you is to ensure the rules of your engagement, ensure fair play, ensure equity, ensure justice, ensure fairness for all. Don’t do anything to sympathize or to favour me or any other political party.”