In the months leading up to the 2023 presidential election, many Nigerians living in Lagos, particularly those from the south-eastern part of the country, have been voicing concerns about their inability to collect their voters’ card, commonly known as PVC.
Voters card, is a mandatory requirement for anyone who wishes to participate in Nigeria’s electoral process. The PVC contains unique biometric information about the voter and serves as proof of identity and eligibility to vote.
Reports of PVC scarcity in some parts of Lagos have raised concerns about potential voter disenfranchisement in the upcoming presidential election. In the weeks leading up to the election, many residents of the affected areas have been expressing their frustration on social media, claiming that they have been unable to collect their PVCs from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office.
Last night, just few hours to the elections, a video surfaced online showing a large number of PVCs that had been dumped in Ago Palace, a suburb in Lagos. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked widespread concern about potential voter disenfranchisement in the affected areas.
The man in the video was heard saying:
“Many PVCs belonging to Oshodi/Isolo, Amuwo and Okota were discovered dumped at Ago Palace.”
If you registered but did not receive your PVC, rush to Kola Hotel at Community Road, Ago Palace, Okota, to collect your cards”.
Watch the video below:
Many PVC'S belonging to people who registered at Oshodi/Isolo found dumped at ago palace! pls rush to Nobis Hotel ago to pick yours…… Please foward to your contacts asap pic.twitter.com/UETjxQWMMQ
— Nwa ❤️ (@Nwaadaz) February 24, 2023
In response to the discovery, supporters of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi are urging registered voters who have not yet received their PVC to visit the designated collection point as soon as possible to retrieve their card. It is not clear how many PVCs were found dumped in Ago Palace, but according to the report obtained by KanyiDaily.com, many people have already collected their PVCs from the designated location.
The dumping of PVCs in Ago Palace raises serious questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. The PVC is a critical component of the electoral process, and its scarcity or deliberate withholding could disenfranchise a significant number of voters.
While the discovery of the dumped PVCs is alarming, it is encouraging that some patriotic Nigerians are taking steps to rectify the situation. The designated collection point at Kola Hotel in Ago Palace is an excellent initiative that will help ensure that affected voters are not disenfranchised.
As of now, the information provided has been verified, and authorities are investigating the dumping of the PVCs in Ago Palace. It remains to be seen how this discovery will impact the election and the ability of affected individuals to cast their vote.
Recall that two hunters also discovered a bag full of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) disposed inside a bush in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra State.
READ MORE: Hunters Discover Thousands Of Voter’s Cards Disposed Inside Bush In Nnewi [Video]