Osun Support Groups Storm INEC Office Over Delay In Issuance Of PVCs

Some youths under the aegis of The Big Tent Coalition of Political Parties and Labour Party, and the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, on Thursday, stormed the office of the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo, Osun State capital, over the delay in the issuance of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to registered voters in the state.

The youths led by the State Coordinator, Labour Party Campaign Council Organisation (LPPCCO), Mr Segun Babalola and Secretary, Hon Mustapha Adebayo stormed the INEC office with a letter which was submitted to the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Dr Mutiu Agboke.

Members of the groups said it is worrisome and appalling that barely three months to the general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to issue Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to eligible voters across the country.

Speaking, LPPCCO State Coordinator, Mr Segun Babalola said they staged the walk in a bid to sensitise the electorate on the need to collect their PVC as that’s the only tool they can use to vote their preffered leaders.

He said:”On behalf of Professor Pat Utomi, Convener of The Big Tent Coalition of Political Parties, social movements and civil society that constitute the Third Force for national retrieval and transformation, in conjunction with the Labour Party, and the Labour Party Presidential Campaign Council, we are delighted to be here in advancement of the process for free and fair elections come 2023.

“In our relentless commitment to a people-centred government, we have embarked upon a nation-wide march for PVC collection across the thirty six states and the Federal Capital Territory, today, Thursday, November 17, 2022 because no eligible citizen who has registered to vote should be disenfranchised in the run-up to the 2023 general elections.

“As an advocacy march, the primary objective is to sensitize and galvanize citizens who are eighteen years and above, especially our core followers, the “Obidients” to exercise their civic obligation, to collect their PVCs unhindered in readiness to vote wisely come February and March 2023.

Echoing a similar views, the state Secretary of LPPCCO, Hon. Mustapha Adebayo said: “As a movement that is committed to establishing a new way of accountable people-centred government, galvanizing our people through a deliberate process to create the appropriate basis for rational engagement that will make public choice transparent, people-centred, and devoid of encumbrances, is imperative.

“Aware that INEC opened the display of voters register for 2023 elections on 12th November, 2022 as a validation for the collection of PVCs by new voters, we have organized our numerous organs and support groups across the country to mobilise citizens and ensure that no one is left behind.

“The test of that promise starts now as Nigerians keenly watch to observe how you impartially ensure that all eligible citizens who have completed their registration according to your guidelines receive their Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) without let or hindrance across the country.

“Patriotic Nigerians therefore deserve a credible electoral process that adheres strictly to the provisions of the Electoral Act of 2022 to enable them make informed choices at the polls in 2023 to change the nation’s negative narrative. 

“We are here today to remind the Commission of this sacred duty that you owe Nigerians.”

Addressing the youths, Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Doctor Mutiu Agboke assured members of the movement that commission will look into their demands.