The Niger state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on Christians to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect good politicians in the 2023 general elections.

Bulus Yohanna, the Catholic bishop of Kontagora and CAN chairman in the state, made the call on Monday in his Democracy Day message to the Christian faithful.

“As Christians, we must participate actively in politics, either as members of political parties or as an electorate. I want to urge eligible Christians to get their PVCs to participate in the 2023 general elections,” he said.

The CAN chairman stressed the importance of the ongoing continuous registration exercise by INEC and the need for the people to participate in the exercise to enable them to vote candidates of their choice into power.

“It is necessary to vote into power those who can fix our roads, build hospitals, ensure our children get a better education, provide security, all the basic amenities and then secure the future of the country,” added the Catholic bishop.

He further stated that to avoid regrets in the future, adults of voting age must get their PVCs to participate in next year’s elections.

“Nigerians and indeed Christians must not sit on the fence. We must all participate actively in the nation’s electoral process. I urge you all to avoid statements such as votes do not count. If voters don’t count, politicians won’t bribe or pay people to vote for them,” added Mr Yohanna. “When people say they are not interested in getting the PVCs because they are not sure if hired thugs would not disrupt the election; that they are not sure the security situation in the country would allow for any election in 223, or that the elections would be rigged. I will just say to you go and get your PVC.”

The bishop urged Nigerians to arm themselves with the PVCs to determine their future, declaring that “your vote is your power.”

He called on INEC to publish centres for collecting PVCs to enable those who had registered online to pick up their cards. 

(NAN)