By Abiola Olawale
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the extension of the deadline date for the collection of Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) to September 15, 2024.
This development which was announced in a statement issued by the INEC’s National Commissioner & Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun was premised on the need to allow for more time as agreed by stakeholders.
Olumeku, in the statement, also explained that the decision to extend the collection date was reached during an interactive meeting organised by the electoral body and was held 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 statement reads in part: “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 to 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 9 am to 5 pm daily.”
INEC used the occasion to appeal to all registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to seize the opportunity of the extension to do so.
The New Diplomat reports that the Edo state resident registered voters are going to the polls to vote for the candidate of their choice on September 21, 2024.
Dr Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) are among the leading candidates for the top job of Edo State.
