The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that not less than 231,900 Permanent Voter Cards were pending collection in Gombe State.
The Residential Electoral Commissioner in the State, Umar Ibrahim, disclosed this during a briefing at the Commission’s office on Wednesday, noting that the figure was valid as of Tuesday.
Ibrahim stated that the figure of PVCs pending collection was based on the previous registration for the 2019 elections, asking the registrants to ensure they collect their PVCs to vote in the 2023 elections.
The REC said, “The total number of uncollected PVCs in Gombe State as of December 20, 2022, is 231,900.
“I urge you to join us in calling on those who registered, transferred, updated their biodata, or requested for replacement of their lost or damaged PVCs to go and collect their PVCs. The Commission’s preparation has however not been without challenges.”
He added that the electoral umpire would not engage in preempting the process, noting that plans have been concluded to ensure readiness for run-offs if need be.
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Ibrahim said, “That will wait until that time because we can’t say there will be run-off or there will not be run-off elections but when the time comes, INEC is fully prepared for it.”
“The inglorious burning of our facilities in some parts of the country is a deliberate step aimed at creating fear in the hearts of Nigerians and preventing the Commission from carrying out its constitutional mandate.
“In the face of these challenges, we remain resolute and committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, all-inclusive, and accountable elections that all Nigerians will be proud of in 2023. Even though we have not witnessed any case of destruction of our offices/assets in Gombe State, we have sadly noticed some cases of clashes between supporters of opposing parties and destruction of billboards/posters.”
Source: Punch