The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has categorically denied allegations that its officials are involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in Edo State ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
The accusation was made by Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), a civic group, in a petition dated August 23, 2024. TESA claimed that uncollected PVCs were being sold to politicians in Edo State, raising concerns about the integrity of the upcoming election.
In a swift response to these allegations, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, dismissed the claims as baseless and without merit. He challenged TESA to provide concrete evidence to support its assertions, stating, “The allegation by the Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission of selling uncollected Permanent Voter Cards to politicians in Edo State is untrue. The commission does not sell but issues PVCs free of charge to only registered voters.”
Oyekanmi emphasised that the PVC issuance process is transparent and strictly regulated. He also highlighted the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which he said has made it nearly impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote.
“It is a well-known fact, and we want to assure TESA that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, 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,” Oyekanmi added.
The PVC collection process in Edo State, which began on August 22, is scheduled to continue until September 8, 2024. Oyekanmi pointed out that the process is still ongoing, making any claims of uncollected PVCs being sold premature and unfounded.
INEC has urged TESA and other concerned individuals to present any concrete evidence of misconduct by its officials to the commission for immediate action. “However, we encourage TESA and other individuals with concrete evidence of unethical acts against any of our Electoral Officers to promptly avail the Commission of the evidence for immediate action,” noted Oyekanmi.
He reiterated that INEC remains committed to ensuring a free and fair election in Edo State, and any allegations of unethical behaviour will be thoroughly investigated.
