Professor Attahiru Jega has made it clear that the purchase of
Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by politicians or individuals is a
criminal offence punishable by the law.
Addressing members of the National Assembly on Wednesday on the
readiness of the commission to conduct the March 28th and April 11th
general elections, Professor Jega explained that purchasers of the
PVCs at worst can succeed in disenfranchising the owners of the cards.
The INEC Chairman who did not deny allegations of politicians forging
PVCs gave assurance that the Card Reader machines introduced by his
commission cannot access forged PVCs, thereby nullifying the intention
of those who forged them.
Answering a question on whether the card reading machine is part of
the voting material, Professor Jega said that the machine has nothing
to do with voting but rather it will assist the commission in its
effort to have a genuine and authentic accreditation of voters.
Insisting that the card reader does not violate both the electoral act
and the constitution, Jega maintained that the machine will further
give credibility to the outcome of the forthcoming general elections
in the country.
He said that it is the intention of his commission to make the PVCs a
lasting document so that it could as well be used in the 2019 general
elections. Professor Jega used the opportunity to thank Nigerians for
their patience and understanding in the rescheduled election. Assuring
his commission's desire to give Nigerians a free, fair and credible
elections.
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