The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has told Quest Times that ex-Governor of Lagos, Bola Tinubu, was wrong when he told his supporters that their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) had expired.

Tinubu has long declared a “lifelong ambition” to contest as a presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.

Addressing some of his supporters in Abuja this week, Tinubu encouraged them to register to vote ahead of the 2023 elections because their PVCs had expired.

Tinubu said: “In case they do not announce to you on time, the PVC you have has expired. Take one family member, two family members, knock on all doors and make sure that the new registration… Because they may not announce to you on time. The PVCs you have has expired. Yes!

“You need to spread it to various local governments and wards at each levels. No matter how difficult it is. To me, I look at it closely and you look at other elections being held, you will see that it’s diminishing because those cards expired. It’s mandatory that you go and register to vote and achieve your aspirations. May God bless you and bless Nigeria.”

Erroneous claim

In a late night chat with Quest Times, the Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, says Tinubu was wrong on all counts.

Oyekanmi adds that there is ‘Permanent’ in the PVC acronym for a reason.

“The Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does not expire.

“All previously registered voters with PVCs can use them to vote in all elections. They also do not need to register afresh.

“Registering more than once is an offence under the law,” the INEC spokesperson clarifies.

He adds that: “In fact, the card does not have an expiry date printed on it. As long as the security chip on it is not damaged, it remains valid.”

Tinubu apologises for gaffe

Tinubu has tendered an apology for his claims, acknowledging that his message to supporters was misleading and a mistake.

A statement from his media team issued on his behalf reads as follows:

“On Tuesday night in Abuja, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu granted audience to a delegation of women from Lagos and across the country attending the All Progressives Congress Women Conference. While charging the women to check the status of their voting cards and mobilise supporters to vote, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.

“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused. Asiwaju Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.

“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasized the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy. He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend, he said.

“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide, adding that such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.

“Asiwaju Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established. He enjoins them to review their voting details with INEC so that these details will be updated before the coming elections.”


https://thequesttimes.com/exclusive-inec-blasts-tinubu-on-pvc-expiration-claim/

@OAM4J
@mynd44

Old news

If buhari rigged the election for tinubu that means God doesn't love Africa.

No wonder I had that they are collecting and giving PVC to their members in Lagos.

Samples Of Confusion And imcompetence that we'll witness soon .
Who are we going to vote now ?
Osinbajo not willing to declare anytime soon because of his godfather wey don declare .
I tire o .

What's exclusive in this? Abeg park one side