The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wednesday said politicians buying Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) for the 2023 general elections are wasting their time, energy and resources.
INEC national commissioner in charge of Voters Education and Publicity, Mr. Festus Okoye, stated this at a one- day training for journalists organised by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in collaboration with INEC in Ibadan.
Represented by the INEC deputy director in charge of gender department, Mrs. Ndidi Okafor, Mr Okoye pointed out that as far as the 2023 general elections will be concerned there is no room for voting without necessary identification of voters.
Mr Okoye said the only reason that may prevent many people from voting during the elections is identity theft.
“Anyone buying PVCs is embarking on effort in futility. It is an effort in futility. It is not possible to snatch ballot boxes and ballot papers again because of technology”, he said.
Mr Okoye added: “The only reason why some people will not vote is identity theft. What we are dealing with is the finger print and the face. So, if your finger did not match, then your face must march. If your finger print did not match and your face did not match, then you cannot vote, that means you are not the owner of the PVC. That is identity theft.”
