INEC said it does not sell but issues PVCs free of charge to only registered voters, according to a statement by Oyekanmi.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked the claim made by a civic group that its officials were involved in selling the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Edo State.
This comes ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election.
In a petition dated August 23, the civic group, Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), alleged that uncollected PVCs were being sold to politicians in Edo.
However, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, on Monday, challenged TESA to provide evidence to support its claims.
“The Commission does not sell but issues PVCs free of charge to only registered voters,” Oyekanmi stated, emphasising that the process is transparent and strictly regulated.
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“The allegation by Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA) accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of selling uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to politicians in Edo State is untrue.
Oyekanmi also highlighted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has made it nearly impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote.
He warned that any attempt to do so would result in arrest and prosecution on Election Day.
“It is a well-known fact, and we want to assure TESA that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), it has become practically impossible for any voter to use another person’s PVC to vote.
“To that extent, any uncollected PVC cannot be used by anyone to vote during the Edo State Governorship Election. Politicians know this.
“Any person who attempts to do so will be arrested and handed over to law enforcement agents on Election Day. It is also an electoral offence for an individual to have another voter’s PVC,” he added.
The PVC collection process in the state began on Thursday and is scheduled to continue until 8 September 2024.
Oyekanmi pointed out that the process is still ongoing, making any claims of uncollected PVCs being sold premature and unfounded.