The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to September 15 in Edo, preparatory to the state’s governorship election on September 21.

INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun announced this in Benin, noting that the extension would begin on September 13.

Mr Olumekun said that stakeholders unanimously appealed to the commission to consider extending the PVC collection period to enable more voters to collect their cards.

“The commission held an interactive meeting with stakeholders in Benin ahead of the governorship election. The meeting was well attended by chairmen of political parties, candidates, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.

“The chairman of the commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, and Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun addressed the stakeholders and responded to their electoral and security concerns. In view of that, a three-day extension has been granted from Friday, September 13, to Sunday, September 15.

“The cards will be available for collection in our 18 local government offices across the state from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily,” he said.

He urged all registered voters who had yet to collect their PVCs to seize the opportunity of the extension to do so.

He said there would be no collection by proxy, which is in line with the commission’s policy.

(NAN)