The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says a total of 152,176 permanent voter cards (PVCs) are yet to be claimed in Niger.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Shehu Garki, said in Minna on Thursday that the PVCs are ready for collection across the 25 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.

Mr Garki said the commission registered 335,854 potential voters in the state at the just-suspended Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

He urged politicians, especially those seeking elective positions, to facilitate and ensure that registered voters visit their respective LGAs to collect their PVCs which would not be given by proxy.

He said the commission had reached out to leaders of various political parties, traditional and religious leaders to mobilise the electorate to collect their PVCs to enable them participate actively in the electoral process.

The REC also urged those who registered earlier to endeavour to collect their cards which are waiting for collection at INEC offices at the local governments’ headquarters.

Mr Garki reminded eligible voters that it is only through their PVCs that they would be able to participate in the election. 

(NAN)