By John Ikani
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed Monday, December 12, 2022, to Sunday, January 22, 2023, as the date for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in all the 774 local government offices of the commission nationwide.
A statement signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye said the Commission also resolved to devolve PVC collection to the 8,809 Registration Areas/Wards from Friday, January 6 to Sunday, January 15, 2023.
“Those that are unable to collect their PVCs at the Local Government Offices of the Commission can do so at the Registration Areas/Electoral Wards,” the statement said.
It also indicated that after January 15, 2023, the exercise will revert to the Local Government Offices of the Commission until January 22, 2023.
According to the statement, all eligible and valid registrants can collect their PVCs from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm daily, including Saturdays and Sundays.
All the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) and Electoral Officers (EOs) have been directed to convene a meeting with the critical stakeholders in their States and Local Government Areas, including traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, community-based organisations and the media “to brief them on the modalities for the collection of the PVCs” to sensitise the public and ensure seamless exercise.
Similarly, RECs and EOs have been directed to set up help desks to assist registrants with complaints about their PVCs or with the PVC collection procedure for immediate redress.
The statement added that the Commission “appreciates the patience and understanding of Nigerians, especially those who registered as voters or applied for transfer/replacement of their cards from January to July 2022”.
