THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has insisted that only voters with genuine Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) should come out to the polling units tomorrow.
Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman Kayode Idowu, who said this in a statement yesterday, added that the guidelines on the use of Smart Card Readers (SCRs) for the elections would be strictly applied.
Idowu confirmed that the commission received reports that some politicians were asking people to disregard earlier guidelines indicating that PVCs and SCRs would be used for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
He warned that security agents would be apprehend troublemakers and offenders.
The statement also reads: “A particular state governor in the Northcentral is reported to have assured voters that they could come out to vote on election day with Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs), if they do not have the PVCs, and that INEC will not be allowed to insist on the use of SCRs for voter accreditation.
”The public is strongly advised to disregard false assurances that contradict the regulations INEC has outlined for the Governorship and State Assembly elections.
“The commission reaffirms that only voters with genuine PVCs should come out to the polling units on election day, and that guidelines on the use of SCRs for the April 11 elections will be strictly applied. Any action infringing these guidelines will be an electoral offence, and security agents will be apprehend offenders.
The commission hailed voters for their peaceful conduct and exemplary resilience in the face of minor challenges, on March 28.
“It considers it unfortunate that some leaders would misguide the public and prepare the ground for needless disruptions to the polling process on April 11.
“INEC warns that any obstruction to the processes put in place for the elections by any person, no matter how highly placed, will constitute an electoral offence punishable in law.”