The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has begun distribution of 23,871 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for new registrants in Gombe State.

This is contained in a statement by Mohorret Bigun, Public Affairs Officer of the commission, on Thursday in Gombe.

Mr Bigun said that 23,871 PVCs received were for those who registered newly or requested for information update, transfer or replacement for lost or damaged cards.

According to him, the distribution is for those who registered during the first and second quarter of the on-going Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise conducted between June 28 and December 20, 2021.

“Therefore, all those who registered or requested for replacement of their PVCs during the period are encouraged to visit the INEC Offices across LGAs where their Polling Units are domiciled to collect their PVCs from Thursday April 21, 2022.”

He assured those who registered in the first quarter of 2022 as well as those undergoing the process now that their PVCs would be ready for collection before the 2023 general elections.

Mr Bigun appealed to eligible Nigerians who are 18 years and above but yet to register to do so.

“This includes those who wish to transfer, request for information update or replacement of lost/damaged PVC to take advantage of the last quarter of the CVR which will end on June 30, 2022.”

He further warned existing voters to desist from registering afresh as such would constitute multiple registration which according to him, is a crime punishable by law. 

(NAN)