The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), has expressed worry over the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) data revealed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to data released by INEC, 6.7 million PVCs were uncollected in 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Worried by the fact that the deadline for PVCs collection is January 22, 2023, the TMG in a statement by its chairman, Auwal Musa-Rafsanjani on Thursday, called on Nigerians to come out and collect their PVCs ahead of the deadline.
According to Rafsanjani, Nigerians should grab the opportunity provided by INEC to be able exercise their civic responsibility during the much-awaited elections, adding that “Nigerians must avoid repeat of voter apathy experienced in the previous elections.”
TMG emphasised that the 6.7 million uncollected PVCs would be sufficient to determine the outcome of the forth-coming 2023 elections.
It added that the high rate of voter apathy witnessed in previous elections must not be allowed to repeat itself in the 2023 elections as determinant for the future of Nigerians.
“As we gear towards the 2023 general elections, TMG is appealing to Nigerians to be ready to come out and vote and make a key decision that is instrumental to the formation of a better Nigeria.
“No one should wait until the rush hour; the time is now and we all are advised to collect our PVCs in time so that we can get that golden opportunity to vote candidates of our choice, electing leaders is our responsibility that no one can deny anyone but without PVC, that right will be denied; so let’s go out and get our PVCs.
“Voters must also be wary of desperate politicians who would want to induce them with monetary gifts in exchange for their voter cards, Nigerians must in the upcoming elections stand their feet and follow the electoral process from start to finish, rejecting any financial inducement or harassment,” the statement reads.
TMG also commended INEC for extending the collection period of the PVCs as well as decentralising PVCs collection down to the wards level.
“TMG will be deploying a wide range of membership across the country to ensure an adequate and effective monitoring of the electoral process.
“TMG will adopt robust engagements with stakeholders while also initiating a system to monitor and publicize the campaign promises of the major political parties before and after the elections.
“We will also be seeking to promote an issue-based electoral campaign and to observe and report electoral conduct to reflect the yearnings of citizens in the elections,” the statement added.
Rafsanjani added that the group seeks to address issues such as electoral violence, thuggery, vote-buying, voters harassment as well as promoting electoral inclusivity for women and people with disability.
