The Independent National Election Commission said Wednesday that no fewer than 231,900 permanent voter cards have yet to be collected in Gombe State.
Speaking during a briefing at the Commission’s office, the Resident Election Commissioner in charge of the state, Umar Ibrahim, revealed that the figure was up to Tuesday.
Ibrahim revealed that the number of PVCs yet to be collected was based on the previous record for the 2019 elections, and urged those registered to collect their PVCs to participate in the 2023 elections.
The REC said: “The total number of uncollected PVCs in Gombe State as of December 20, 2022 is 231,900.
“I urge you to join us in calling on those who have registered, transferred, updated their personal details or requested replacement of their lost or damaged PVCs to come pick up their PVCs. However, the preparation of the Commission has not been without its challenges.
Ibrahim noted that the Commission would not like to get ahead of the process, stressing that there were plans to ensure runoffs would take place if necessary.
“That will wait until then because we cannot say that there will be a second round or that there will be no second round elections, but when the time comes, INEC is fully prepared for that,” Ibrahim said.
He condemned the constant burning of its facilities, stating that the Commission was always committed to free, fair and credible elections.
He added: “The shameful burning of our facilities in some parts of the country is a deliberate step intended to strike fear into the hearts of Nigerians and prevent the Commission from fulfilling its constitutional mandate.
“In the face of these challenges, we remain resolute and committed to conducting free, fair, credible, inclusive and accountable elections that all Nigerians will be proud of in 2023. Although we have not witnessed any instances of destruction of our offices/assets In Gombe State, we have unfortunately noted some cases of clashes between supporters of opposing parties and destruction of billboards/posters.”