The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concerns over the non-collection of permanent voters cards (PVCs) in Kogi ahead of the 2023 general elections.

On Wednesday, Hale Longpet, Kogi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), said out of the 293,015 newly registered voters from 2019 to November, only 36, 357 persons have collected their PVCs representing only 28 per cent.

Mr Longpet said only 13,689 of 152,984 voters who registered between 2019 and 2020 had collected their PVCs.

“Again, between 2021 and July 2022, we (INEC) registered 38, 595 new voters, but only 17, 413 voters came forth and collected their PVCs leaving behind 21, 182 PVCs uncollected.

“It is on this fact that we are calling on the public to endeavour to collect their PVCs now that the 2023 general elections are fast approaching,” he appealed.

The REC noted that though statistically, the number of registered voters in Kogi increased from the previous 1. 6 million to 1. 9 million, the non-collection of PVCs was not encouraging.

He called on traditional rulers, religious and community leaders and political parties to prevail on their members or wards to come forward for their PVCs in the state’s various wards so they won’t be disenfranchised.

“With the release of the timetable and schedule of activities for the off-cycle governorship elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo coming up on Nov 11, 2023, there’s a need for seriousness from all and sundry in the state.”

Mr Longpet said the commission was doing all it could to enlighten the public on election matters but that the role of the media would be of great importance to the successful conduct of the 2023 polls.

He said the commission has, over the years, worked tirelessly to reform the electoral process and introduced many innovations which would help check electoral fraud and manipulations from any quarter.

The REC warned against electoral violence and thuggery as he said such acts undermining the electoral process would not be tolerated. 

(NAN)