The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Wednesday, faulted the claim by the National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, that the Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) have expired.
Tinubu, in a viral video had said the PVCs at the disposal of Nigerians right now have expired, adding that they need to get new ones.
“They may not announce to you on time, the PVC that you have now has expired. You need to spread it round in various LGs, wards, let them get new ones,” he said.
Reacting to the comment, the Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Bolade Eyinla, said the PVCs have not expired, adding that there is no need for Nigerians who already have PVCs to register afresh.
He emphasised that the PVCs are still valid, warning that it is a crime to engage in double registration.
“This information is not correct. The PVC issued to all previously registered voters remains valid. This kind of statement will certainly push eligible voters to register more than once thereby creating the problem of double and multiple registrations,” he said on Wednesday.
The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, also emphasised that Nigerians who already have PVCs do not need to register for new ones, assuring that the ones they have are still valid.
According Oyekan, double registration is an offence under the laws, saying that eligible Nigerians are entitled to register only once.