By John Ogunsemore
Ahead of the September 21 gubernatorial election in Edo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has extended the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to September 15.
INEC’s National Commissioner & Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun said this in a statement.
He disclosed that the commission held an interactive meeting with stakeholders on Wednesday, September 11 at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City ahead of the gubernatorial election.
Olumekun noted that the meeting was well-attended by chairmen of political parties, candidates, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies, civil society organisations and the media.
“The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, addressed the stakeholders and responded to their electoral and security concerns.
“At the meeting, stakeholders were unanimous in their appeal to the Commission to consider an extension of the period for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for a few days to enable more voters collect their cards.
“Consequently, a three-day extension has been granted from Friday 13th – Sunday 15th September 2024.
“The cards will be available for collection in our 18 Local Government offices across the State from 9am to 5pm daily,” Olumekun said.
INEC appealed to all registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to seize the opportunity of the extension to do so.
“In line with the commission’s policy, no collection by proxy will be allowed,” he said.
