150,988 PVCs yet to be collected in Niger state, says INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says a total of 150,988 permanent voter cards (PVCs) are yet to be collected in Niger state.

Yushau Ahmed, resident electoral commissioner, north-central, said this on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, in Bida.

According to NAN, the visit is part of the efforts to mobilise residents to collect their PVCs.

Ahmed said the uncollected cards are spread across the 25 LGAs of the state.

He urged the traditional and religious leaders to speak to residents to visit the headquarters of their local governments to collect their PVCs.

According to the INEC official, no card would be given by proxy.

Ahmed also said the visit was to pay homage and seek royal blessings and prayers ahead of the 2023 general election.

“Politicians must ensure decorum in their campaigns; they must play the game by the rules,” he added.

“Any conduct that will breed violence and thuggery will not be tolerated.”

He, therefore, called for peaceful electioneering, and urged traditional rulers to emphasise the same message to political actors.