INEC reaffirms use of PVC, card readers in Saturday polls

The Commission reaffirmed that the PVC and card readers are going to be used in this weekend's elections contrary to some reports stating otherwise.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has dismissed claims from some quarters that the Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) and the Smart Card Readers (SCRs) will not be used in the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections scheduled to hold on Saturday, April 11.

In statement signed by Kayode Idowu, the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, the Commission affirmed that the PVC and card readers are going to be used in this weekend's election, noting that words credited to some political leaders that people can use their Temporary Voter Cards to vote should be disregarded.

"A particular state governor in the North Central geo-political zone is reported to have assured voters in the state that they could come out to vote on Election Day with Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) if they do not have the PVC, and that INEC will not be allowed to insist on the use of SCRs for voter accreditation.

"Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard false assurances that contradict the regulations INEC has outlined for the Governorship and State Assembly elections. The Commission reaffirms that only voters with genuine PVCs should come out to the polling units on Election Day, and that guidelines issued on the use of SCRs for the April 11 elections will be strictly applied. Any action infringing these guidelines will be an electoral offence, and security agents will be on hand to apprehend offenders, the statement said.

The Commission warns that anyone, irrespective of their positions, who attempt needless disruption of the voting process on Saturday will be punished.

"INEC hereby warns that any obstruction to the processes it has put in place for the elections by any person, no matter how highly placed, will constitute an electoral offence punishable in law"

Meanwhile, Alhaji Hussaini Halilu Pai, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, has been assigned to also supervise the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Kano State, following the death Alhaji Minkala Abdullahi last weekend.