The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned persons without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to steer clear of polling centres during the Nov. 16 Governorship Election in Ondo State.
Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC National Commissioner Supervising Ondo, Ogun and Osun States, gave the warning at the presentation of soft copies of the Register of Voters for the election to the political parties on Tuesday in Akure.
Ajayi, who pledge the Commission’s preparedness and determination to conduct a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election in the state, said that 2,053,006 eligible voters were registered.
” it is important to reiterate to you that the Commission shall commence distribution of the newly printed Permanent Voters Cards and the uncollected PVCs from the previous CVR exercise starting from Thursday.
“I strongly encourage all political party representatives to mobilise their supporters to come out and collect their PVCs.
“Also, the Civil Society Organisations and the media here present are to use their various strong outlets and platforms to encourage the general public, registrants, and eligible voters to come out en mass to collect their PVCs.
“Because Without the PVC, nobody would be allowed to vote,” he said.
Ajayi said that the collection of PVCs won’t be by proxy as it was against the law.
According to him, anyone found in possession of more than one PVC would be made to face the full extent of the law.
He, therefore, called on Persons With Disability (PWD), PWD-focused CSOs, and groups to encourage any PWD to come out and collect their PVCs.
Ajayi said that the Commission has made adequate provision for assistive devices which will ensure a seamless voting experience for all PWDs in the forthcoming election.
Also, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, said that the publication and presentation of the voter register was crucial and a statutory step in safeguarding the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.
Babalola said that the presentation was a powerful reminder that the future of Ondo State was in hands of its people.
“I call on all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed, safeguarding the integrity of the process
“I therefore use this medium to encourage voters in Ondo State to come out to cast their votes freely with the assurance that their choices are respected and their votes will count,” Babalola said.
Mr Ade Adetimehin, Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ondo State, applauded the INEC for its timely presentation of the voters register.
According to him, it would enable the political parties to go back to the field and mobilise and educate their supporters to come out en mass to vote on the election day.
“It’s now our duty as political parties to go back to the all 3936 polling units to mobilise and canvass for their (electorate) votes,” he said.