The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has disclosed that it will not provide about 200, 00 Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) ahead of Saturday, March 28 elections.
The state Resident Electoral Commission, Akin Orebiyi said this in Lagos on Wednesday, March 25 during a stakeholders’ Forum.
While apologising to those who had challenges in obtaining their PVCs, Orebiyi said that INEC officials will pass Friday night at the various local government collation centres to enable early deployment of men and material to the over 8,000 polling units.
“We are very sure that this year, we are going to arrive on time. That is why we are going to sleep at the RACs (Registration Area Centres). We will leave the RACs by 5 a.m. and by 6.30 – 7 a.m., INEC officials are already waiting for voters.
“The Temporary Voter’s Cards as we speak have become obsolete. They have become a thing of the past. The smart card, similar to the PoS used in banks and supermarkets, will be used. It will recognize the PVC once it is put inside during accreditation.
“It takes about 15 seconds, which gives us an assurance that in one minute we have effectively taken care of three people,” Orebiyi said.
He further noted that voters are allowed to stay around after casting their votes, as long as they comport themselves peacefully.