…says Nigerians can’t access PVCs
With about seven weeks to the general elections, an interfaith organisation on Tuesday raised the alarm over the alleged denial of citizens access to Permanent Voter Cards based on ethnic and partisan considerations.
The organisation therefore called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to speedily address “old politics” that could disenfranchise Nigerians registered for the election.
The observation came 24 hours after the INEC raised fresh fears that the general elections would face serious threats of cancellation and postponement if security challenges across parts of the country fail to improve.
At a press conference which held in Abuja in collaboration with religious leaders, the organisation under the aegis of, ‘Community Life Project/ReclaimNaija’, observed other lapses with a demand that INEC should endeavour “to get it right at the various stages and processes from pre-election to election day”, so as to ease the heightening fear that a large percentage of the over six million voters without PVC could be disenfranchised.
The press conference was jointly addressed by the President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Israel Akanji, Chief Security Officer of Adamawa State Muslim Community in Yola, Gidado Muhammad Yolde; Deputy President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop John Praise; and Programmes Officer, Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, Zainab Abdulrasheed.
Others were the Assistant General Secretary of CAN, Uzoaku Williams; chairman, Christian Council of Churches (North Central Zone), Rev. Ini Ukpuho; Scholastical Kalama (Nigeria Association of the Blind) and Aver Akigir (National Association of Persons Living With Physical Disabilities).
Akanji who read the text observed an avalanche of stories of frustration from many Nigerians over the slow process leading to the election.
He said, “There are still stories reflecting the old politics of PVC distribution where, in some states and local government offices, it is said that people are deliberately denied access to their PVCs based on ethnic or partisan considerations, which indicate manipulations to disenfranchise citizens.
“In some places, citizens have had to make several visits or wait for long hours before collecting their PVCs. Many new registrants or those who transferred to new polling units are being told to return in mid-January.”
Akanji called on INEC to improve on the observed lapses and “urgently consider extending the deadline for PVC collection at the ward level beyond the January 15 deadline.”
He also expressed concern over the heightened insecurity in the country.
While decrying the development, he lamented that violence and civil strife have continued unabatedly and seem to have spiked in the lead-up to the 2023 general elections.
“The spread of these acts of violence to other parts of the country has added to the tension as regards the elections,” adding “the implications of these unfortunate acts of violence are grave for our country”, he said.
Akanji also called on religious and opinion leaders to use their amplified voices to push for issues that are important and relevant to the country’s overall well-being.
He said, “This period affords them the opportunity to inform the people of the importance of responsibly exercising their civic duties. They must lend their voices to the cause of getting citizens to collect their PVC and vote peacefully and participate in all aspects of our civic life with a true patriotic spirit.
“We expect that they would use their enormous influence over their followers to encourage participation in the electoral process while admonishing them to shun all forms of violence.
“We must remind ourselves that we have a moral obligation to protect poor and vulnerable citizens, especially people at the grassroots and in our rural communities. We should not look the other way as the poverty and ignorance of our vulnerable population are being exploited by unscrupulous forces buying their PVC and votes.
“The onus is on us to rigorously educate our faith communities on the adverse consequences of selling their PVCs and their votes. We should have the courage to call on all politicians and those vying for public office to act ethically and obey the rules.
“We also expect that hateful and divisive rhetoric which sometimes finds its way to the pulpit will be a thing of the past. Our land needs healing and cleansing. Hateful speeches and fiery rhetorics are poisons that destabilize the nation. Much more is expected of the people of faith.”
Archbishop John Praise urged Nigerians to ensure that only persons with impeccable character emerge victorious to lead the citizens and move the country forward in the next political dispensation.
He appealed to INEC to ensure that their logistics are in order so that the electorate will not be frustrated during the exercise.
