FCT poll: Collection of PVCs ends Feb 4 as 265,868 lies uncollected

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC has said February 4th is the final date of collection for Permanent Voters Cards.

Also, no fewer than 103,68 have picked their PVCs and 265,868 are yet to collected

The Federal Capital Territory, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC Alhaji Yahaya Bello made known during his remarks when INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, paid an on the spot assessment on the level of preparedness visit to the INEC FCT Office on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to Bello, “Presently the PVC collection is on-going in all the six (6) INEC Area Council offices. It will end on February 4th, 2022 after the ABIS was conducted, in the total number of registered Voters in the FCT standing at 1,373,492 showing a difference of 28,636.

“Sequel to the issuance of election notice on 30th March, 2021, series of activities were, and still are being conducted. Notably among them are concluded Party Primaries, Publication of List of Candidates, both Chairmanship and Councillorship. CVR Exercise was suspended and new PVCs Printed, and are presently being collected at Area Council HQs plus an AMAC sub office in Area 10. The total number of collected PVC as of 24th January, 2022 is 103,68 while uncollected is 265,868, the breakdown is attached.”

In addition, “On behalf of all of us here in FCT, let me express our profound gratitude and appreciation to the Hon. National Chairman and the members of the National Commission for several approvals of our request and those initiated at the INEC HQs, release of funds and guidance which has immensely contributed to the level of our preparedness today. May God Almighty reward you most abundantly Sir”.

“While we shall henceforth devout our energy and dedication to ensure the conduct of free, fair, transparent and inclusive elections, we thank you for concern and support. Please have a safe trip back to Maitama, stay very healthy and safe.Bello said,”

In his response Yakubu said ” For us, we have done everything we are supposed to do for this election. What I need is for you to assure me and the voters in the federal capital that we have set the standards for conducting credible elections in Nigeria. The FCT Area Council election will not lower the bar. If anything, it will be an enhanced credible poll in the FCT.

” Just like the other two elections, we are going to deploy the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System for the election. By Friday, we will be done with the configuration of all the polling units in the FCT. We have the requisite number of staff that will respond in case of any glitches on the election day. We have made adequate arrangements for transportation so that we can move around on the election day.

” We upload the election results from the polling units. Will also declare the election results in the area councils. We have 475 candidates in the FCT. 17 out of 18 political parties are participating. And we have 475 candidates competing for 68 positions. The only part of Nigeria, FCT where INEC conduct LGA elections. And the only part of Nigeria where INEC conduct bye elections in a local government election either by court order or death. And they have regularity and security of tenure.

” The Commission remain gender sensitive and gender friendly. There six Area councils or Local Government councils. And in each area councils we have an office.The REC has briefed us on the progress made. The headquarters has done what it is supposed to do. We will visit the wards, EOS and their assistants on the actual preparation on ground. The FCT has six councils therefore it will elect six Chairmen. And 62 wards. Each of the six area councils 10 wards except AMAC which has 12. And each wards is a constituency for the election of councilors”, INEC Chairman said.