BREAKING: Kogi, Bayelsa, Imo polls, INEC approves 4 weeks for collection of PVC

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced the resumption of the collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards, PVCs, in preparation for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.

In a statement it’s National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, said “The exercise, which was suspended on February 5, 2023, ahead of the last General Election, will allow registered voters who were unable to collect their PVCs to do so before the upcoming Governorship elections.

“Tuesday 5th September 2023
According to INEC, the PVCs will be available for collection at all Local Government area offices in the three states.

“Additional designated centers, where a significant number of uncollected PVCs are located, have also been created. The specifics of these centers will be made available by the Resident Electoral Commissioners in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi.

“The collection of PVCs will take place on weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm for a duration of four weeks, starting from September 11 to October 9, 2023.”

In the meantime, two Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) have been redeployed to other states. Mr. Obo Effanga, who was the REC for Edo State, has taken over in Bayelsa State in preparation for the forthcoming off-cycle Governorship election. Professor Ayobami Salami has been transferred from Ekiti State to Lagos. These redeployments were necessary, as both Bayelsa and Lagos were left without RECs after the expiration of the tenure of the previous office holders.

INEC has once again called on all political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid any statements or actions that may incite violence. The Commission emphasizes the need for a peaceful electoral process.