PVCs Collection: INEC Officials Dribbling Registered Voters – SOKAPU Says

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) on Thursday, described as unacceptable the deliberate act by some personnel of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to dribble citizens seeking to exercise their franchise by being denied the opportunity to collect their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

This was as it also said that the polling units of some citizens have been changed to places where it will be impossible for them to access on election days due to restriction of movements.

SOKAPU which stated these while expressing worry over the way some INEC staff are manipulating the people who throng out on daily basis to collect their PVCs, noted that with concern the collection process of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Kaduna State.

The Union therefore called on INEC to look into the allegation and take serious steps to arresting the misconduct if found true.

The Union said that it has been inundated with complaints that officials of INEC at some PVCs collection centres in some Local Government Areas and urban areas of Kaduna state are making it difficult for citizens to get their PVCs.

These were contained in a statement by Comrade Elisha Rosi, Acting SOKAPU President, in which he stressed that for hours, citizens who turned up at collection centres for their PVCs are usually told to return the next day, adding that it has been shown that at certain PVC centres, especially in our rural areas, there are large uncollected PVCs.

SOKAPU further said; “Our members should also lay official complaints to INEC in areas where the collection of the PVCs has been deliberately made difficult.

“Again, there are agents of some politicians who have been going around collecting PVCs of unsuspecting persons and paying them sums of money. Anyone who forfeits his voter’s card out of financial inducement is not only doing himself and his future a great disservice, but is also culpable in the criminal act. Report to the police anyone who asks for your voter’s card in exchange of money.

“Southern Kaduna must take advantage of the 2022 Amended Electoral Act, which has added much integrity to future elections in Nigeria.

“It is our firm believe that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BIVAS) it will be very difficult to compromise future elections.

“As for our members who are reluctant to go and collect their PVCs, they must know that they will have no moral right to complain should candidates that are not of their choices emerge winners.

“And the situation which Southern Kaduna, and indeed the entire Nigeria has found itself, every of our members that is of voting age cannot afford to show indifference,” he said.

SOKAPU accordingly called on its members at home and outside Kaduna State to do everything legally permissible to collect their PVCs and get ready for the 2023 general elections.

It said that those who already have theirs, should ensure their safety and come out in large numbers to cast their votes, adding that the future of the country lies with the people’s PVCs.

SOKAPU said that Southern Kaduna should be seen to be fully participating in the 2023 general polls.