Presidential aspirant and a leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Bola Ahmed Tinubu has through his media team apologised for his misleading information about the countries permanent Voters Card PVC.
Tinubu, on Tuesday night while speaking to some of his supporters in Abuja claimed that the PVC with them have expired as he urge members to register again in order to be eligeable to vote in the upcoming 2023 general elections.
Tinubu told his supporters to “spread” the news to all local government so as to quickly obtain their new PVC’s
“In case they do not announce to you on time, the PVC you have has expired. Take one family member, two family members, knock on all doors and make sure that the new registration… Because they may not announce to you on time. The PVCs you have has expired”, Tinubu said.
“You need to spread it to various local government and wards at each levels. No matter how difficult it is. To me, I look at it closely and you look at other elections being held, you will see that it’s diminishing because those cards expired. It’s mandatory that you go and register to vote and achieve your aspirations. May God bless you and bless Nigeria”, he added.
However, the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC debunked Tinubu’s claim while reiterating that Nigerians who already have PVC does not need to register as it does (PVC)not expire.
INEC noted that the PVC is still valid for future use.
Responding to INEC clarification on the matter Tinubu’s media aids said in a statement,
“On Tuesday night in Abuja, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu granted audience to a delegation of women from Lagos and across the country attending the All Progressives Congress Women Conference. While charging the women to check the status of their voting cards and mobilise supporters to vote, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.
“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused. Asiwaju Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.
“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasised the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy. He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend, he said.
“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide, adding that such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.
“Asiwaju Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established. He enjoins them to review their voting details with INEC so that these details will be updated before the coming elections.”