The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has strongly refuted allegations that its officials are involved in selling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the upcoming September 21 Governorship Election in Edo State.
The allegations were brought forward by the civic group Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), but INEC has challenged the group to provide concrete evidence to support its claims.
Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, addressed the allegations, categorically stating that INEC does not sell PVCs but issues them free of charge to registered voters. Oyekanmi dismissed the accusations as false, noting that such claims often surface from partisan groups as major elections approach.
Oyekanmi also emphasized that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has made it virtually impossible for anyone to vote using another person’s PVC. He assured that any uncollected PVCs cannot be used in the upcoming Edo State election, and any attempt to do so will result in arrest and prosecution by law enforcement agencies on Election Day.
The collection process for PVCs in Edo State began on August 22 in 192 Wards and is set to conclude on August 26. Oyekanmi pointed out that the notion of ‘uncollected PVCs’ is unfounded since the collection process has just started. Collection will continue at INEC’s 18 Local Government Offices from August 28 to September 8, 2024.
INEC has urged TESA and any individuals with evidence of unethical conduct by Electoral Officers to submit their findings to the Commission for immediate investigation and action.
