Political parties and others are concerned over 134,000 uncollected PVCs in the Imo election.

 

Various political parties and other relevant stakeholders in Imo state have issued a collective appeal to eligible voters, urging them to actively engage in the upcoming gubernatorial election. Additionally, they have provided reassurances that the votes cast by these individuals will be duly recognized and accounted for.

Additionally, they emphasized the importance of registered voters who have not yet obtained their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to promptly retrieve them. This would enable them to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming November 11th election.

The individuals in question issued the statement during a press conference held in Owerri, in response to the report released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which indicated the presence of 134,000 uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) inside the state.

 

The individuals expressed their commitment to oppose the purported intentions to manipulate the election and urged the voting population to remain watchful and safeguard their ballots subsequent to their casting on the day of the election.

As to the statement made by Salvator Amadi, the State Publicity Secretary of the Action Alliance (AA), the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) can be attributed to the perceived lack of impartiality on the part of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has been repeatedly viewed as closely aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In order to promote the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) among voters, a comprehensive media campaign is required to raise awareness and educate the public. One of the key issues pertaining to the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the alleged practice of soliciting funds from individuals prior to the issuance of the cards. This practice is justified by citing the need to cover expenses related to fuel for generators in the absence of reliable electricity supply.

Moreover, it is imperative for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to cease underestimating the intelligence of Nigerians. It is untenable to perpetuate the notion that their votes hold little significance, while simultaneously anticipating their willingness to invest their time and resources in obtaining Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Nigerians have exhibited increased wisdom in recent times.

According to Lancelot Obiaku, the state Director of New Media for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the relatively small turnout might be attributed to the performance of the electoral umpire and the security agencies during the previous general election. The demonstration is a response to perceived injustices and voting irregularities, supported by institutions that typically uphold principles of justice and equity.

The populace is expressing discontentment with a circumstance in which the People's Democratic Party (PDP) had overwhelming triumphs in several electoral districts inside the State. However, there is a perception that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security services collaborated with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to manipulate the election results.

Nevertheless, our party remains unconcerned as even in the scenario where an average of ten individuals participate in voting at each polling unit, seven of them are expected to cast their votes in favor of the PDP. We are advocating for impartiality from the security agencies and INEC, with the expectation that they will ensure a fair electoral process. Additionally, we express confidence in our ability to emerge victorious in the upcoming governorship election. In my opinion, individuals will no longer tolerate any manifestation of unfairness.

In addition, Micheal Anyanwu, the Deputy Director of Media and Publicity for the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in 2023, expressed that there are various circumstances that may contribute to the low collecting of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in all 27 local government areas of Imo State. The lack of trust in the electoral process has resulted in political apathy among registered voters, leading to a discouragement in the retrieval of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Some individuals are complicit in this matter as they choose not to obtain their PVCs. The enhancement of INEC's efforts in guaranteeing the conduct of credible and transparent elections nationwide can contribute to the resolution of this dilemma.

The acquisition of PVCs is devoid of any charges, nevertheless, there have been instances documented in certain regions when unscrupulous personnel of the Commission have exploited this process to engage in extortion of individuals seeking to acquire their PVCs. If an individual refuses to comply with the demands of extortion, the perpetrators intentionally impede their ability to obtain their Permanent Voter Card (PVC).

A significant number of individuals who are unable to afford the necessary fees or tolerate the associated difficulties ultimately choose to relinquish possession of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). It is imperative for the Commission to establish specialized feedback channels that facilitate the reporting of such instances. When such reports are received, it is imperative that they are treated with due seriousness and that any officials implicated in wrongdoing are appropriately penalized.

According to Chilos Godsent, the National Vice Chairman South East of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recently disclosed that there are 134,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) that remain unclaimed and are currently stored within the Commission.

According to the research conducted by the African Democratic Congress ADC South East Zone, it has been observed that the voters have not been actively participating in the collection of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). This lack of engagement can be attributed to the voters' lack of trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process during the upcoming Governorship Election, which is scheduled to take place on the 11th of November, 2023.

The ADC has so urged INEC to promptly initiate comprehensive Multi Stakeholders Town Hall meetings in all twenty-seven Local Government Areas of the State. The purpose of these meetings is to raise awareness among the electorates about the importance of their active involvement in elections.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) urges the residents of Imo State to promptly acquire their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to further enhance the ongoing Ballot Revolution in Nigeria.

According to the statement made by Prof. Sylvia Agu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the state, it has been advised that residents of Imo State should retrieve their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the designated INEC Local Government Area (LGA) offices. In addition to the existing 27 LGA offices, INEC has established additional collection centers for PVC retrieval in Registration Areas where there are over 1000 uncollected PVCs.