The Independent National Electoral Commission said on Monday that initial loss of data from its machine led to the loss of finger prints of some Nigerians.

It said this formed part of the reasons why the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State and others could not get their PVCs.

It nevertheless said all eligible voters, who were unable to collect their PVCs could now collect them nationwide.

Deputy Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Mr. Nick Dazang, made the disclosure at a one-day workshop held for journalists in Kaduna on Monday.

He said, “Initial loss of data led to the loss of finger prints and why the Sultan of Sokoto, Governor Fashola of Lagos, and others could not get their PVC.

“What I know is that those whose data were lost and those who did the Continuous Voter Registration, their cards are now ready.

“Attitude of some INEC staff led to the loss of the data.”

He declared that notwithstanding the challenges being faced by INEC, the commission had achieved 65 per cent distribution of PVC nationally even as he expressed optimism that the percentage of PVC distribution would grow substantially before the election.

“All cards (PVC) are on the ground and are being distributed to the states,” he added.

Dazang said as of January 31, 42.7 million, representing 65 per cent national average distribution, had been achieved, but insisted that some states had achieved distribution up to between 79 and 80 per cent average.

The breakdown of the states, according to Dazang, includes Adamawa (79.5 per cent), Gombe (78 per cent), Jigawa (79 per cent), Katsina (79.4 per cent), Osun (70.7 per cent) and Taraba (80.5 per cent).

He said, “There are states that have done very well, but the national average is 65 per cent. This figure (65) is conservative.

“At the end of the one week extension, we are expecting between 79 to 80 per cent national average. Even in an examination, if you score this figure, nobody will say you did badly.

“The best INEC has done is the extension of one week and by statistics, within the first three days of distribution of PVC, cards going into millions were distributed. If we have one week extension, what stops us from distributing the balance.”

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