INEC Warns Voters Without PVCs to Stay Away from Ondo Polling Centres

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned individuals without Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to stay away from polling centres during the November 16, 2024, governorship election in Ondo State.

Prof. Kunle Ajayi, INEC’s National Commissioner overseeing Ondo, Ogun, and Osun States, issued the warning on Tuesday in Akure during the presentation of soft copies of the voter register to political parties.

Ajayi reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, credible, and inclusive election, disclosing that 2,053,006 eligible voters have been registered for the exercise.

“The Commission will commence the distribution of newly printed PVCs and uncollected cards from the previous Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise starting Thursday,” Ajayi announced.

He urged political parties to mobilize their supporters to collect their PVCs and called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media to use their platforms to encourage mass collection.

“Without a PVC, no one will be allowed to vote,” Ajayi emphasized.

Ajayi also warned that the collection of PVCs would not be permitted by proxy, as it is illegal. “Anyone caught with more than one PVC will face the full extent of the law,” he added.

The Commissioner further urged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to collect their PVCs, assuring them that INEC has provided assistive devices to ensure a smooth voting experience.

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ondo State, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, highlighted the importance of publishing and presenting the voter register as a critical step in ensuring electoral transparency and credibility.

“The presentation of the voter register is a powerful reminder that the future of Ondo State lies in the hands of its people,” Babalola stated.