The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to utilize the postponement of the general election to investigate the alleged discriminatory distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to non-indegenes in Lagos and other states.
The party made this known via a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, stating that it was ready for the general elections, contrary to claims that the shift in the election dates was to its advantage.
The statement read: “We demand that INEC should look inwards and thoroughly investigate the apparent involvement of some of its personnel including ad hoc staff on the issue of the lopsided distribution of the PVCs.”
“We are aware that in Borno State, 90 per cent of the PVCs were handed over to the state government officials, who distributed them by proxy contrary to laid-down procedures.
“Also, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, the local government area of our National Woman Leader, only new registered voters have received their PVCs. Citizens with old voters’ cards have not had them replaced and this scenario abounds in other places.
“We do hope that INEC will use the period to ensure that all identified irregularities are eliminated to guarantee that registered voters across the country receive their PVCs urgently.
“Also, INEC ahead of the polls, should adequately demonstrate to Nigerians the application and practicability of card readers to the allotted time for vote.”
On the shift in election dates, Metuh said: “For the avoidance of doubt, we state clearly that the postponement neither confers advantage on our party and our candidates, nor can it ever be described as a set back to our democracy. The ultimate issue in this regard is the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
“We restate that the PDP position on these issues remains our commitment to the sustenance of free, fair and credible elections, which is one of the greatest legacies of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
“Let nobody irresponsibly politicise what is clearly a practical and administrative decision that affects everyone and all parties equally. At this present time, Nigeria needs men of history and not hysteria.”
