The Independent National Electoral Commission has categorically denied claims that some of its officers are involved in the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in Edo State ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
The civic group Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy filed the accusation in a petition dated August 23, 2024, alleging that uncollected PVCs were being sold to Edo State lawmakers.
In reaction to these charges, Rotimi Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, called them false and urged TESA to show actual evidence to back up their claims.
“The allegation by the Transparency for Electoral Systems Advocacy, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC of selling uncollected Permanent Voter Cards to politicians in Edo State is untrue.
“The commission does not sell but issues PVC free of charge to only registered voters,” Oyekanmi stated, emphasising that the process is transparent and strictly regulated.
Oyekanmi further stated that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System has made it practically difficult to vote using someone else’s PVC.
He stated that any attempt to do so will result in arrest and prosecution on election day.
