Edo State Residents Express Displeasure Over Unavailability Of PVCs

Citizens residing in some parts of Edo state, South-South, Nigeria, have expressed disappointment towards INEC when they were unable to collect their PVCs at various offices.

Gatekeepers News reports that Residents of Egor local government area were unable to collect their Permanent Voters’ Card on Monday and were told to check back in January.

The Independent National Electoral Commission had earlier announced that it had fixed Monday, December 12, 2022, to Sunday, January 22, 2023, for the commencement of the collections of PVCs in all 774 of the commission’s local government offices.

Lucky Osaro who was present at the Egor Local government office said, “I thought INEC was ready to distribute the PVC but from what I experienced on Monday, it was clear that they were not ready. How can the officials tell us to check back in January which is just a few weeks before the election? I hope this is not a ploy to disenfranchise people.”

Mrs Virginia Nwajorgu, a trader at Egor Local Government office was in tears after she was told by an INEC official that her voter card was not ready.

Smart Ehiorobo complained bitterly about the slow process of collection, adding that inefficient INEC officials were making the process very slow.

Mr. Timidi Wariowei, the Head, Voter Education Department Edo office, said the commission was yet to receive reports of the exercise from the various locations.

“We have not received reports yet. The exercise just started today (Monday). If it is established that some cards are not available, we will communicate to Abuja.” he said.

Meanwhile, Residents of the Federal Capital Territory came out on Monday to the FCT headquarters in Garki, Abuja, and were able to pick up their PVCs

Some residents arrived at the collection venue as early as 7.30am and then commended the INEC and urged the commission to ensure a free and fair election.