KPU denies claims of PVC sales to politicians ahead of Edo gubernatorial election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has rejected allegations that its officials were involved in the sale of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Edo State ahead of the September 21 Governorship Election.

A civil society group, Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA), in a petition dated August 23, 2024, claimed that uncollected PVCs were sold to politicians in the state.

Responding to this, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary of the KPU Chairman, considered the allegations baseless and asked TESA to provide strong evidence to support their claims.

“The allegation by the Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy (TESA) accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of selling unclaimed Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to politicians in Edo State is untrue,” Oyekanmi said. “The Commission does not sell but issues PVCs for free to registered voters only.”

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Oyekanmi stressed that the process was transparent and strictly regulated. He also pointed out that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has made it almost impossible for anyone to use another person’s PVC to vote.

“This is a well-known fact and we want to assure TESA that with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), it is virtually impossible for any voter to use another person’s PVC to vote,” he said. “Any PVC that is not collected cannot be used by anyone to vote during the Edo State Governorship Election. The politicians know this. Anyone who attempts to do so will be arrested and handed over to the law enforcement agencies on Election Day. Possession of another voter’s PVC is also an electoral offence.”

The PVC collection process in Edo State commenced on August 24 and will continue till September 8, 2024. Oyekanmi noted that the ongoing collection process makes any claim of uncollected PVC premature and baseless.

INEC has asked TESA and other relevant individuals to provide concrete evidence of violations committed by its officials to the KPU for immediate action. “However, we urge TESA and other individuals who have concrete evidence of unethical acts against one of our Election Officers to immediately provide such evidence to the KPU for immediate action,” Oyekanmi added.

INEC denies claims of PVC sale to politicians ahead of Edo governorship election first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.