We Will Deal With Anyone Trying To Disenfranchise Nigerians-INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has vowed that it would deal with anyone found culpable in any attempt to disenfranchise Nigerians.

The Commission while reacting to videos trending online of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) allegedly buried underground in some locations, including the compound of a high-profile person, said it has commenced investigation into the matter.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday by Festus Okoye Esq. INEC’s National Commissioner and Chairman Information and Voter Education Committee.

The Commission said it is not taking these allegations lightly.

The Commission insisted that PVCs have been printed for all valid registrants in Nigeria up to 14th January 2022 and delivered to all the States of the Federation for collection by voters.

The statement reads further, “We will not allow retrogressive elements to sabotage our efforts.

“The issues of voter registration, compilation of the voters’ roll and issuance of PVCs are at the heart of any democratic elections and the Commission is working hard to ensure that every eligible citizen who appears in person at the registration venue is registered. We assure Nigerians that this matter will be pursued to its logical conclusion.

“Already, the Commission is reviewing the procedure for collecting PVCs to make it less cumbersome and more transparent. This will be a major topic at the next regular quarterly meeting with stakeholders so that working together we can find a lasting solution to the issue.

Meanwhile, we appeal to those who found the allegedly buried PVCs to deliver them to our nearest State or Local Government office. This will be their patriotic contribution to the consolidation of our electoral process.”