Over 60,000 PVCs unclaimed in Gombe – INEC
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has said no fewer than 60,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), are yet to be claimed by residents.
Speaking at a media briefing in Gombe, held on Thursday, on the resumption of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar Ibrahim, urged residents to participate in the exercise in order to be eligible for the 2023 election.
Recall that the CVR was suspended in August 2018 to allow for the processing of register of voters, printing of PVCs and finally conduct of 2019 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner, stressed that the PVC represents the right and power of all residents of the state, adding that no one would be forced.
Ibrahim said, “As at now Gombe State has over 60,000 unclaimed Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with us.
“My call is that this is an opportunity for everybody and it is a very good opportunity, it is the right of every citizen who is qualified to come forward and do the registration.
“It is your mandate, it is your power but if you don’t want to do it, no one is going to force you but we are calling on everyone that no one will be denied his right and there is no point waiting for the last minute to start rushing up and down.”
Ibrahim revealed that the commission had issued approval for 770 voting points in Gombe State bringing the total number of units to 2,988.
“Also early this year, the commission embarked on the expansion of voter access to polling units exercise, with a view to reducing some of the challenges that hampers voter’s easy access to polling units.
“I’m glad to inform you that hitherto 770 voting points in have been converted into full fledged polling units as approved by the commission. This brings the total number of polling units in the state to 2,988. The polling units can be viewed in a searchable database on the INEC website (https://www.inecnigeria.org/elections/polling-units/),” he added.
According to Ibrahim, “With the conclusion of the expansion of Voter Access to Polling Units, the commission on Monday 28th June, 2021 commenced online pre-registration which marks the resumption of the 2021 CVR nationwide.
“To commence the CVR process online by logging into the commission’s portal :https://CVR.inecnigeria.org or https://INEC.gov.ng and fill in their bio-data and other details as requested in the forms provided.”
