Polls: INEC Insists on Use of PVCs, Card Readers

Commission appoints new REC for Kano

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday reiterated that the permanent voters’ cards (PVCs) and the card readers would be used in tomorrow’s governorship and state assembly elections.

The commission urged Nigerians to ignore any contrary directives to the effect that PVCs and the card readers would not be used for the elections.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, the commission stated that it had received reports that some political leaders were asking members of the public to disregard its stated resolve to use PVCs and card readers for the governorship and state assembly elections.

Specifically, INEC said a particular state governor in the North Central geo-political zone was reported to have assured voters in the state that they could come out to vote on election day with temporary voters’ cards (TVCs) if they do not have the PVCs, and that INEC will not be allowed to insist on the use of card readers for voter accreditation.

For the avoidance of doubt, INEC said: “Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard false assurances that contradict the regulations INEC has outlined for the governorship and state assembly elections.

“The Commission reaffirms that only voters with genuine PVCs should come out to the polling units on election day, and that guidelines issued on the use of card readers for the April 11 elections will be strictly applied. Any action infringing these guidelines will be an electoral offence, and security agents will be on hand to apprehend offenders.”

INEC commended Nigerian voters for their peaceful conduct and exemplary resilience, even in the face of minor challenges, during the presidential and National Assembly elections on March 28, 2015.

It, however, considers it unfortunate that some leaders would misguide the public thereby preparing ground for needless disruptions to the polling process on April 11. INEC hereby warns that any obstruction to the processes it has put in place for the elections by any person, no matter how highly placed, will constitute an electoral offence punishable by law.

Meanwhile, the Commission has assigned the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, Alhaji Hussaini Halilu Pai, to supervise the conduct of the governorship and state assembly elections in Kano State, following the tragic demise of Alhaji Minkala Abdullahi last weekend.

Before his posting as FCT REC, Alhaji Pai was Ekiti State REC, who conducted the governorship election of June 21, 2014.