The Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received reports that some political
leaders are asking members of the public to disregard its stated resolve to use
Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Smart Card Readers (SCRs) for the April 11,
2015 Governorship and State Assembly elections.
According to INEC particular
state governor in the North Central geo-political zone is reported to have
assured voters in the state that they could come out to vote on Election Day
with Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) if they do not have the PVC, and that INEC
will not be allowed to insist on the use of SCRs for voter accreditation.
Members of the public are
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 issued 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 on
hand to apprehend offenders.
The Commission commends Nigerian
voters for their peaceful conduct and exemplary resilience, even in the face of
minor challenges, during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on
March 28, 2015. It, however, considers it unfortunate that some leaders would
misguide the public and thereby prepare ground for needless disruptions to the
polling process on April 11. INEC hereby warns that any obstruction to the
processes it has put in place for the elections by any person, no matter how
highly placed, will constitute an electoral offence punishable in law.
Meanwhile, the Commission has
assigned the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, Alhaji
Hussaini Halilu Pai, to supervise the conduct of the Governorship and State
Assembly elections in Kano State, following the tragic demise of Alhaji Minkala
Abdullahi last weekend. Before his posting as FCT REC, Alhaji Pai was Ekiti
State REC, who conducted the Governorship Election of June 21, 2014.
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