The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has provided updates on its preparation for the 2023 general elections.
The Commission said it has received reports from different states of the federation on the difficulties the electorates go through in collecting their Permanent Voter Cards.
Addressing the press at the INEC Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu said the commission would ensure all registered voters have the opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the election.
He also said that the movement of election materials to different locations nationwide is being concluded while training of officials will commence shortly.
The INEC boss explained that the ongoing consultations with stakeholders will be concluded shortly while the air-lifting of sensitive materials across the country has gone far.
He said, “Accrediting of national and international observers and the media is being finalised. Critical stakeholders in the areas of transportation have reassured us of their commitment to efficient logistics in the movement of materials and personnel to various locations while security agencies have reaffirmed their readiness for the election.
“However, the commission is aware that there are a few issues to be addressed. One of them is the ongoing collection of Permanent Voter Cards, PVC.
“The Commission is encouraged by the determination of registered voters nationwide to collect their PVCs and the actual level of collection so far.
“For instance, in Lagos State, which has the highest number of registered voters in the country, the commission delivered 940, 200 PVCs from June 2021 to July 2022 for both new registrants and request for transfer and replacement of cards. As of yesterday,
“Thursday 25th January 2023, 839,720 PVCs have been collected representing 89.3 percent of the total figure of the new cards.
“We have received reports from other states of the federation and the Commission will not hesitate to consider other measures to ensure that all citizens have ample opportunity to collect their PVCs ahead of the general elections.
“We wish to assure Nigerians that the Commission will always be responsive to the needs of the electorates.”
