The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially debunked rumors circulating in the media regarding an alleged plan to destroy more than six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). On Sunday, the commission took to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle to categorically deny the claims and clarify its stance on the matter....Read Full Article >>➤
INEC emphasized that the reports were entirely false and urged the public to disregard such misleading information. The commission issued a statement addressing the controversy, noting that a particular newspaper had published a report suggesting that INEC was considering the disposal of millions of PVCs left uncollected since the 2015 voter registration exercise.
According to INEC, this claim is not only baseless but also misrepresents its policies regarding voter registration and PVC management. The statement read: ” Our attention has been drawn to a newspaper report claiming that the Commission is contemplating the destruction of over six million uncollected Permanent Voter Cards going back to the 2015 voter registration. The report is incorrect. At no time did the Commission contemplate the destruction of uncollected PVCs. ”
INEC further explained that it has a clear protocol for handling uncollected voter cards, which involves safekeeping them until they are collected by their rightful owners. The commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that every eligible Nigerian who registered to vote has the opportunity to collect their PVC and participate in the electoral process. It assured citizens that efforts are ongoing to make the cards more accessible and improve the collection process.
The issue of uncollected PVCs has long been a topic of concern in Nigeria’ s electoral system. Millions of registered voters fail to collect their cards for various reasons, ranging from relocation to a lack of awareness about collection schedules. This situation has led to calls for improved strategies to encourage voters to claim their cards. However, INEC’ s clarification on the recent rumors underscores its determination to safeguard these cards and uphold its mandate of ensuring free, fair, and inclusive elections.
Reacting to INEC’ s statement, several political analysts and civil society organizations commended the commission for promptly addressing the misinformation. Some observers highlighted the importance of countering false narratives, especially during sensitive periods when misinformation could erode public trust in electoral processes. They also called on media outlets to verify information before publication to avoid creating unnecessary tension or confusion among the electorate.
Meanwhile, INEC has reaffirmed its readiness to conduct future elections in a transparent manner, urging eligible voters who have yet to collect their PVCs to do so at designated collection centers. The commission noted that continuous voter education and sensitization remain crucial in ensuring higher voter turnout and participation in elections.
In conclusion, INEC’ s swift response to the false report highlights its commitment to transparency and credibility in managing Nigeria’ s electoral process. By dispelling rumors and providing clear information, the commission aims to maintain public confidence in its operations and encourage greater civic engagement. As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, the integrity of the voting process, including proper management of PVCs, remains a critical factor in strengthening the country’ s democracy.
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