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Tag: Inec

  • INEC under pressure over PVCs distribution

    INEC under pressure over PVCs distribution

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is under pressure to dump the use of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the elections.

    Some of the critics insist that the national average of collection is less than 40 per  cent, a record that is creating ripples within the political parties and the civil society organisations

    Leaders of political parties and civil society leaders are kicking against the shoddy distribution of the PVCs.

    The Chairman of Ikeja branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr Yinka Farounbi, said: ”Available records showed that less than 35 per cent of registered voters have secured the PVCs. How do you conduct any credible election with that type of very low voting population?“

    Nigeria Civil Society groups under the aegis of Situation Room also expressed concern that the distribution of PVCs and the conduct of the Continous Voters Registration (CVR) in INECs Phase 3 States of Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Plateau, Nassarawa, Niger, Imo, Lagos, Ogun and Rivers are experiencing serious glitches and complaints from citizens who have received very little information on it.

    The groups said: “Reports received by Situation Room shows that the exercise has been suspended in Rivers State and is being partially conducted in Lagos and Imo States.

    ”Several registered voters or persons intending to register have turned up in centres across the states only to be turned back or find that there are no registration officials on hand.

    “This has heightened tension and apprehension among registered voters and potential voting registrants. In Kano, Ogun and Plateau States where officials have been present, they have had fewer cards than the voters’ register.”

    The Chairman of Conference of Political Parties in Nigeria (CNPP), Alhaji Balarabe Musa, said the PVCs may not ensure credible elections.

    ‘’How are we even sure that the PVC distribution will be achieved? Efforts have been made in the past to make use of the PVC, but without success. We should always review PVCs regularly, but this has not been done. There is no guarantee that this will work in Nigeria in the foreseeable future.”

    He also urged INEC chairman Prof Attahiru Jega, to fish out those behind the sabotage and sanction them appropriately.

    ”If INEC is to organise a free, credible and transparent election next February, it must quickly return to the drawing board to fashion out how to ensure that all Nigerians who are eligible to vote are able to do so without hindrance, and also purge itself of the fifth columnists within its ranks, who are bent on sabotaging the elections,” Musa said.

  • APC, INEC close defence at Osun Tribunal

    APC, INEC close defence at Osun Tribunal

    •Adoption of final address adjourned till Jan 28

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday closed their defence in a petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in the August 9, last year, election, Iyiola Omisore, at the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal.

    The Justice Elizabethe Ikpejime-led tribunal adjourned the case till January 28 for the adoption of final addresses.

    APC’s counsel Ajibola Basiru, at the resumed hearing, told the three-man panel of his client’s decision to close the case after reviewing the evidence and found out that no case had been made by the petitioners.

    Subsequently, INEC’s counsel Ayotunde Ogunleye opened his defence and tendered the Certified True Copies (CTC) of Form EC8E (overall result declaration form), summary of the Permanent Voter Cards Distribution list and the certificate of the list.

    While counsel to other respondents raised no objection to the admissibility of the documents, the petitioner’s counsel, Nathaniel Oke only raised an objection to the Certificate of the PVCs Distribution List on the ground that it was not front loaded.

    Replying, INEC’s counsel, who argued that the objection could not be sustainable, said the PVCs Distribution List was front loaded but because it was printed from a computer and its certificate  produced as provided by law.

    Subsequently, the tribunal admitted the document as exhibits 395, 396 and 397.

    After  being admitted, the INEC counsel applied to close the commission’s case without calling any witness.

    He said: “We apply to close our case upon the evaluation of the case made out by the petitioner, coupled with the evidence we have extracted from the witnesses called so far by other respondents and the petitioner.

    “Also, the documents tendered so far are the documents coming from us and as such, we will need no further oral evidence.”

    Each of the respondents are to file their written addresses within 10 days, while the petitioners have seven days to file their addresses, just as respondents have another five days to reply on point of law.

    Addressing reporters after the sitting, counsel to the first respondent, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Wale Afolabi, said it was not necessary for the respondents to call any other witness, saying the evidence on ground was enough to have the petition thrown away.

    He said: “There is nothing in the petition at all, because if you look at the quality of the witnesses they called and our cross-examination which are all in evidence, you will know that we have no reason to fear at all.

    “As I speak to you now, I can tell you that our written addresses are ready, because we prepare it daily and we review it often. In fact, we will file before the due date.”

    Basiru said the witnesses called by the petitioners did not even state the case they brought to court.

    According to him: “The expert that they brought even admitted that false entries were there in his report and the testimonies he has given. That is to tell you that they have not made any case.”

    Oke said it was for the tribunal to evaluate the evidence before it and determine which of the parties was right.

  • Lawmaker to sue UPN

    Lawmaker to sue UPN

    The lawmaker representing Ose in the Ondo State House of Assembly, Mrs Fola Olasehinde-Vicente, threatened yesterday to sue the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) for declaring her as its candidate.

    She denied participating in the party’s primary election. The lawmaker said she remained in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and committed to its victory in next month’s general elections.

    Mrs. Olaseinde-Vincete lost her bid to return to the Assembly during the APC primary election.

    A statement by her counsel, Charles Titiloye, advised the UPN leadership to retract the alleged nomination or face legal action.

    The lawmaker advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)to disregard her nomination by UPN.

    She said election is not “a do-or-die affair and no matter who wins, APC must move forward and win the general election”.

  • Otti assures electorate of free, fair elections

    Otti assures electorate of free, fair elections

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured the electorate that the innovation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would make rigging difficult in next month’s elections.

    Speaking with reporters in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government, he said the innovation introduced by the electoral body would make it difficult for rigging to succeed.

    Otti said with the introduction of the biometric card reader by INEC, it would be difficult for anybody to rig, adding that he believed votes would count.

    The APGA governorship candidate urged the electorate to vote.

    He attributed voter apathy to rigging in the past, stressing that it would be difficult this time.

    His words: “Many people were disillusioned by election because of rigging. But this time, votes must count.”

    Otti said he had mobilised the electorate to obtain permanent voter cards and vote for him during the election.

    The APGA governorship candidate said he would win because the party had a structure and enjoyed support at the grassroots.

    He added: “Anybody who loves Abia and detests underdevelopment will vote for me. Many people are not happy with the situation in the state. So, the best thing is to vote for me for that change.”

    The former managing director/chief executive officer of Diamond Bank Plc said he joined the governorship race to stop maladministration and develop Abia.

    Otti said: “I entered the governorship race not as a politician, but to rescue the people from poverty. I will ensure that the resources of the state are utilised.”

  • INEC bans use of govt cash, resources for campaigns

    INEC bans use of govt cash, resources for campaigns

    Candidates must not use government property during campaigns ahead of next month’s general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said.

    This is part of the Code of Conduct which the parties have signed.

    “All political parties shall separate party business from government business. No political party shall use state vehicles or other public resources for any electioneering campaigns or any other party business,” INEC said in its code.

    This is not unconnected with the practice of candidates seeking re-election using government vehicles, aircraft and Government Houses and offices in raising funds and holding meetings.

    But INEC did not list sanctions against those who run foul of the code. It also did not say how it will monitor compliance.  An INEC official described it all as a moral issue. “Since the parties have signed the code of conduct documents,  it is expected that that will abide,” he said.

    Besides demanding notice of all rallies from parties, INEC has also banned parties from using inflammatory language or take any action which could incite violence.

    The INEC chairman’s Chief Press Secretary,  Mr. Kayode Robert Idowu, said: “All the parties have subscribed to the Code of Conduct and we expect them to abide by it during the campaign and the election.”

    The Code of Conduct also states:

    “No political party or candidate shall during campaign resort to the use of inflammatory language, provocative actions, images or manifestation that incite violence, hatred, contempt or intimidation against another party or candidate or any person or group of persons on grounds of ethnicity or gender or for any other reason.

    “Accordingly, no political party or candidate shall issue any poster, pamphlet, leaflet or other publication that contains any such incitement.

    “All political parties shall take all necessary steps to coordinate their campaign activities in such a way as to avoid holding rallies, meetings, marches or demonstrations close to one another at the same time.

    “Accordingly, whenever the date, venue or timing of any such activities of different political parties clash, their representatives will meet to resolve the issue amicably without resort to intimidation, force or violence.

    “All parties are required to file with the commission, the details of their public rallies and meetings in any particular area.

    “No political party or any person or group of persons acting in its name shall obstruct, disrupt, break up or in any way whatsoever interfere with a meeting, rally march, demonstration, or any campaign activity of another political party.

    “In this regard, no party or any person or group of persons acting in its name shall try to obstruct or prevent any person from participating in the activities of another party.

    “Every political party shall expressly forbid its supporters from shouting its slogan, wearing its identifying colours or other paraphernalia to the rallies and any public gathering of other political parties.

    “All political parties shall instruct their members and supporters that no arms or any object that can be used to cause injury shall be brought to a political rally meeting, march, demonstration, or any other political function.

     ” No political party or candidate shall prevent other parties or candidates from pasting their posters or distributing their leaflets, hand bills and other publicity materials in public place.

    “Furthermore, all parties and candidates shall give directives to their members and supporters not to remove, destroy the posters and other campaign materials of other parties or candidates.”

  • Feb Poll: Tension in PDP over INEC deadline

    Feb Poll: Tension in PDP over INEC deadline

    Candidates sweat over possible names substitution 

    Fear now pervades the camps of many PDP governorship and State assembly candidates as the clock ticks towards the deadline for the withdrawal/replacement of nominees by the political parties.

    The emergence of the party’s governorship candidates in Borno, Imo and Ogun in particular, is being hotly contested by those who felt short-changed  while the winners of the primaries are lobbying hard to ensure that they are not dropped at the last minute.

    Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) deadline for the parties to withdraw/replace candidates for the governorship/state House of Assembly elections is Tuesday, January 13 – 45 days before the election as stipulated  by Section 35 of the Electoral Act,2012 (as amended).

    The names of the candidates as submitted by the various parties are now on display at INEC offices across the country with the final list expected to be posted on January 14.

    Sources at the Abuja national headquarters of the party told The Nation that some of the names earlier submitted to INEC may be substituted following “certain considerations and circumstances in a few states.”

    “The situation as we speak is such that nobody can say specifically if we will still make changes or not. Candidates can still be withdrawn or substituted according to the commission’s deadlines. Where necessary, we will make use of this opportunity.

    “We have some dicey situations on our hand. We have issues in Ogun, Borno, Imo, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom and so on. While we are using our internal mechanism to handle some of these matters, some are already in court. Some of these cases may be determined before the expiration of the deadline.

    “Where this happens, we will have to respect the rule of law. There are also instances where certain resolutions have been made to satisfy all sections in the state and resolve differences. We will also have to implement such resolutions before the deadline,” one source, a member of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), said.

    It was also learnt that the party has been receiving petitions and complaints from states urging it to redress certain anomalies by changing its candidates if it intends to win the 2015 elections. This has created anxiety amongst candidates of the party.Candidates of the PDP in Zamfara State are jittery following the inability of the party to conduct governorship primaries on or before December 8 as stipulated   by INEC.

    Rival parties have told   INEC to respect its own rules by rejecting any late submission of nomination by the PDP.

    Some PDP aspirants are also kicking against the party’s choice of candidates in several states, citing alleged illegalities in the primaries.

    The Nation learnt talks are currently on between the national leadership of the party and the aggrieved aspirants on how best to resolve the crisis and prevent other political parties from cashing in on the situation to rubbish the PDP.

    In Borno State, a group of indigenes under the auspices of ‘Borno Coalition for Good Governance’ said Alhaji Gambo Lawan, who won the party’s governorship primaries in the state, will take legal action over his substitution with another candidate.It was reported that Borno PDP stakeholders met in Abuja at the weekend and substituted Alhaji Lawan with Alhaji Mohammed Imam, who is believed to have the backing of the former governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.

    The group, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Modu Wulgo, and Secretary, John Ndirbula, said Lawan will seek legal redress for the ‘injustice’ done to him.

    The Nation learnt that although a reconciliation committee has been instituted to look into the crisis created by the development in Borno State, Lawan’s camp has refused to meet with the committee, preferring instead to seek redress in court as being championed by eminent PDP chieftains in the state.

    “The Borno case is one situation where the party may go back on its decision. From all indications, Lawan is the choice of the majority of party leaders and the party cannot go against its own chieftains,” our source said.

    Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is claiming to be the authentic governorship candidate and has gone to flag off his campaign.

    The INEC list on display in Owerri shows the name of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, as the PDP governorship candidate.

    Comrade Chris Udensi, an associate of Ararume, said the last is yet to be heard of the matter as Ararume remains the candidate of the party, having won the primaries last month.

    “That was why we flagged off our campaign during the week. Don’t be deceived by the appearance of Ihedioha’s name on any list. Imo PDP knows its candidate and we will not relent until the right thing is done,” he said.

    But the director general of Ihedioha campaign, Mr. Chris Okewulonu, said yesterday that the people of the state  “know the conspirators and their sponsors are wickedly out to  deny Imo State of good governance” by  Ihedioha.

    Confusion still reigns in the Ogun State chapter of the party   over the absence of some names alleged to have been pencilled down as candidates by the national leadership of the party, as part of a reconciliation effort, on the list.

    Former Governor Gbenga Daniel and several others who made the PDP “unity list” for the 2015 general election in Ogun State are missing on INEC’s candidates’ list.

    Daniel had, in a statement by his media aide, Ayo Giwa, said he was directed to run for the Ogun East Senatorial seat by the PDP National Working Committee(NWC) to ensure the party’s success in the state and that a “unity list” of candidates cutting across all interest groups in the state had been drawn up.

    The name of Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka appeared on the list as the party’s state governorship candidate. Before the primaries that produced Isiaka, the national leadership of the party, through its National Working Committee, had directed its state chapter not to hold the primary.

    National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, said in the directive that, “For the avoidance of doubt, the NWC hereby states that it did not authorise any governorship primary in Ogun State.

    “Consequently, any such exercise held in Ogun State is hereby declared null and void and of no effect. A new date will be communicated for the primary.” But the directive was ignored as the party, led by its Chairman, Mobilising Committee in the South-West, elected Isiaka at the primary.

    Defending the decision to shift the date for the submissions of list of governorship and state Assembly candidates only, Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu, noted that it was not an extension but rather a shift which was agreed at during the meeting of the commission and leaders of political parties who asked for the observance of Christmas day as free day.

    “This new date is not an extension in any way. It was just a one-day shift because the Christmas (break) was asked for by the political parties. They felt it was not convenient for them to rush to INEC on Christmas day to submit list of their candidates and the commission granted them that request,” he said.

  • 2015 elections: INEC has been compromised, says Junaid Mohammed

    2015 elections: INEC has been compromised, says Junaid Mohammed

    Dr. Junaid Mohammed, a Russian-trained medical doctor was chairman of different Committees at the House of Representatives in the Second Republic. In this interview with KOLADE ADEYEMI, the maverick politician who has served Nigeria in different capacities alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Presidency, Police, Department of Security Services (DSS), military and other para-military agencies billed to ensure free and fair elections have perfected plans to rig the 2015 elections in favour of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan. He urged Nigerians to resist this move by standing up to defend their votes at the polls.
    Excerpts:

    o you agree with the latest statement credited to President Goodluck Jonathan that the 2015 elections will be free and fair?

    First and foremost, I speak as an independent person, and I also believe that as a democrat, I must have respect, and participate in the democratic process. Simply put, democracy is nothing but election. This election must be free, fair and credible. Once you accept that democracy is good; then even the elections are even better, because democratic systems can only work when the democratic institutions allow it to work; and that in itself, also is premised on the open and honest understanding of the needs of democracy and the desires of the people of Nigeria for democratic system. Now, I have always complained that there is problem with the Nigerian elite. So, unless the political class is serious and that means that the manifestation of their seriousness is reflected in the behavioural utterances and commitment of the political parties. I cannot say how we can have what we can call credible and rancour-free election. It is obvious to me that democracy needs to be institutionalized; and democratic free and credible elections must be institutionalized-that calls into being the assumed good behaviour of first and foremost the Commission that is involved in the election (that is INEC), the Police, the other security agencies that is involved in the elections-the SSS and the military police, immigration services and all the para-militaries. Now, but where, ab initio, you have no faith in INEC, because I am one of those who have no faith in INEC

    Why don’t you believe that INEC can conduct credible elections in 2015?

    Yes, I take this position because INEC has become highly politicized; it is being governed by a Chairman and all other members who are card-carrying members of the PDP. I have been saying this before 2011; I have been saying this since 2011. Now, there is no way you can assume non-partisanship, impartiality and good conscience in the conduct of election even when it is being ran by the most competent people you can pick around and allow them to be umpires. So, if the umpire is already, ab initio, tempted by partisanship, if the government is in cohort with the party, its own party and INEC, then, really, I think he (President Jonathan) is  asking too much to say that people are going to have to live with the consequences of  an election being conducted by the party and INEC. It is also obvious that election in this country have been tempted over the years by corruption, open intimidation, abuse of office and abuse of security agencies, particularly, the police.

    You have emphasized much on the Police in terms of electoral corruption. What is your grouse with the current leadership of the Nigeria Police Force?

    Now, we have in the Police Force, the most … (expletive) Inspector-General of Police in the history of Nigeria. Can you expect this fellow (Suleiman Abba) to conduct elections freely and fairly-the man who could have the guts to go into the National Assembly and tear-gas the principal officers and other members of the National Assembly! Do you expect free and fair elections under this fellow? The answer is no! Now, when you also go further, you find out that members of the so-called DSS are now behaving no better than political thugs-they are political thugs! The kind of statements being issued by Marilyn Ogar are in fact, sometimes, more irresponsible than the statements you get from Olisah Metuh, Publicity Secretary of the PDP. Now, if this is the kind of characters we have in the so-called non-partisan security agencies, now what do you expect from those forces which are openly partisan. So, I am not a believer in what the elite say; I believe in judging the people in power by what they do and not by what they say; because if you judge them by what they do, you are likely to come out with the kind of attitude and the kind of scenario that will pervade and prevail and facilitate universally accepted free and fair election.

    How do we ensure that Nigeria gets it right in terms of universally accepted rancour-free and fair elections?

    You see, these are the kind of things reasonable politicians and patriots will want to discuss; but you can see even in the cause of attempting to discuss the issue, PDP is playing games,  Now, if they didn’t want to discuss the topic, how do you expect them to carry out their own commitment in achieving free and fair elections? How do you expect them to give free-hand to their police, their … (expletives) DSS, their … (expletives) Armed Forces and other services-what are you telling me? My advice is this, Nigerians should be vigilant and take whatever step necessary to defend the integrity of their votes and make sure that their votes count.

    From what you have said, you established the fact the government in power is capable of using security agencies to rig election. What is the way out?

    First and foremost, the citizens should resist such harassment; and they should also remember that those who have being subjecting them to intimidation by forces of Federal Government, particularly the Police, and the SSS hardly know them. So, if you get yourself sabotaged, if you get yourself assaulted by a neighbour who you know is a member of the PDP; of course, you will take necessary steps to protect yourself and unveil whatever happens. This is so because we are dealing with a bunch of characters in government who don’t know the language of civility. So, you must protect yourself because you cannot be protected by the judiciary, you cannot be protected by the police, the SSS themselves are bunch of thugs working for the presidency. So, take whatever necessary steps to protect yourself and in doing this, history will be on the side of those who would want to resist the PDP, the police and the DSS.

    The APC has alleged that people are moving en masse to their country homes because of fear of violence that may erupt during the election. What is your take on this?

    I think it is very unfortunate but it is prudent for people who have decided to relocate to their various places of comfort, where they feel save during the election, after all, life is very important because if you are dead, there is nothing you can do. As far as I am concerned, it is unfortunate that politics in our country has been reduced to a level where people don’t feel comfortable to play politics outside their home town! Now, the solution is not to mourn about it, complain about it, the solution is to force … (expletives) …in government out of power and do the necessary things to ensure that all Nigerians are comfortable to play politics anywhere in the country in their own comfort. Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their franchise and vote for whoever they want no matter where they are within the country-that is very important. If the government cannot protect anybody, then I don’t know what the hell they are talking about democracy.  The primary responsibility of every government is to maintain law and order-to protect the integrity of every person, his family and belongings- if the government cannot do that, then I don’t see any need we have for such government. So, I think we should realize that it is not the fault of those who want to go home, it is the fault of the government that has failed reasonably to protect lives and property of Nigerians. Number two, if the government cannot allow meaningful discussions with the opposition parties-then this is not the kind of government that we can hope on. Thirdly, we have a bunch of incompetent people who are card-carrying members of a political party, who are running INEC and don’t know anything.

    They messed up the elections of 2011 and do you know they were busy telling foreign media that it was the best election we ever had in Nigeria. Now, in less than two months to the elections, they are telling us that the electoral law has to be amended; I don’t know where on earth, you amend an electoral law two weeks to the election. Electoral laws are passed very early enough and they are tried and tested; and they will do some kind of trouble-shooting within them and see how far it can go; but this INEC chairman has been playing games.

    They only talk when they assume the interest of their pay masters at Aso Rock is at risk. I also noticed that INEC has nothing but contempt to public opinion. Anytime, they have programme and the public is against it, they resist, and then, they will come back and tell you this is the law and this is our own interpretation, when they found they cannot cope, they simply abandon the thing and look for something else. That was exactly what happened with the voters register and the increase which is logical-that when the population increases, you have to increase the number of polling booths but they so badly mishandled the issue and the thing turned out to be a farce. If Prof Atahiru Jega has any conscience, he should have resigned and I think it will be better for this country if he resigns now.

    From what you have said, you agree with the APC that PDP has perfected plans to rig the election?

    Yes. That is my opinion and it is a fact. The APC comment is correct and absolutely timely. This is why I insist that people should be organized, defend their votes, people should defend their votes, people should be vigilant. People should stand up for their rights and make sure their votes count-this is the only way out.

     

  • Imo PDP guber candidate’s name missing as INEC displays lis

    Imo PDP guber candidate’s name missing as INEC displays lis

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday, displayed the names of governorship, House of Assembly and Senatorial candidates of various political parties in Imo State.

    However the governorship candidate of the PDP was not among the names displayed, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) had incumbent Governor Rochas Okorocha as its governorship candidate and Prince Eze Madumere, the current Deputy Governor as running mate.

    The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) had Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho as the governorship candidate.

    The inability of INEC to display the PDP governorship candidate, may not be unconnected to a Court injunction obtained at an Abuja High Court by one of the governorship aspirants, which stopped the Commission and other interested parties from carrying out further actions on the matter, until the determination of the suit, which comes up for hearing of the 14 of January.

    Meanwhile efforts to get the INEC Public Relations Officer in the State,  Emmanuela Opara, was abortive as she was not responding to her calls, while the INEC headquarters was under lock and key, making further verifications impossible as at the time of filling this report.

  • It’s futile to buy PVCs, says INEC

    It’s futile to buy PVCs, says INEC

    Buying up voter cards is futile as it cannot aid election rigging, INEC said last night.

    Mr Kayode Idowu, spokesman for INEC chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega, who spoke to our correspondent on the telephone, explained why it is difficult  – if not impossible –  to use the cards to swing the ballot.

    He said: “If it is true, it shows how ignorant those people are about what lies ahead.

    “If you come to the polling booth and the card is inserted in the card reader, it will pop up the data.  That shows it is an INEC card. If the data does not show, it means the card is not from INEC.

    “Also, the person who brought the card to the polling booth must be finger printed. If the fingerprint does not match the one that is embedded in the card, that card will be rejected.

    “There is no way you can buy a person’s card and use unless you want to

    buy it to deprive the person of the privilege to vote. If you buy up a card, will you buy the fingerprint too. It is futile to buy up the card.

    “The VIN number is a unique number for each card holder, but the embedded chip in the card is where the biometric is; that is where the security is. There is no way you can change the biometrics of somebody to your own, so it is ignorance about how the card works.”

  • Civil society group threatens to sue INEC over PVCs

    A coalition of civil societies under Democracy Integrity Alliance has threatened court action to stop the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from using the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) for February’s general elections.

    In a statement, the group said on a national average, 40 per cent of registered voters collected the PVCs.

    The situation, they claimed, was worse in the northern states.

    “There is a secret plot to disenfranchise the North. The plot is to ensure that few northerners got the PVCs, so that our numerical voting strength will be reduced. We will not allow this to happen,” it said.

    The coalition, in the statement by its Chairman, Mallam Dahiru Usman Bako, said the court action would “stop INEC from disenfranchising more than 55 per cent of Nigerians.

    “If INEC continue to insist on the use of the PVCs, we will have no choice than to head to court and stop the commission. The constitution grants all eligible citizens inalienable rights to vote .

    “If anything is done that can terminate the enjoyment of that right, the citizens reserve the right to legally resist such hindrance.

    “Many of us from the North felt the commission is programming the 2015 polls in a way that will disenfranchise northerners. This is our view after watching the very low percentage of Arewa voters, who are able to secure their PVCs”, Bako alleged.

    He said the group had surveyed many voters in the Northwest and the Northeast, “and the result we got is looming disenfranchisement of our people . We will legally resist this.”