Peoples Democratic Party has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to use the rescheduling of elections as an opportunity to investigate the lopsided distribution of Permanent Voter Cards in some parts of the country.
In statement by the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, the party said “We demand that INEC should look inwards and thoroughly investigate the apparent involvement of some of its personnel including ad hoc staff on the issue of the lopsided distribution of the PVCs.
“We are aware that in Borno State, 90 per cent of the PVCs were handed over to the state government officials, who distributed them by proxy contrary to laid-down procedures.
“Also, in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State, the local government area of our National Woman Leader, only new registered voters have received their PVCs. Citizens with old voters’ cards have not had them replaced and this scenario abounds in other places.
“We do hope that INEC will use the period to ensure that all identified irregularities are eliminated to guarantee that registered voters across the country receive their PVCs urgently.
“Also, INEC ahead of the polls, should adequately demonstrate to Nigerians the application and practicability of card readers to the allotted time for vote.”
PDP added that the postponement of the elections does not confer any advantage on the party nor its candidates.
PDP said “For the avoidance of doubt, we state clearly that the postponement neither confers advantage on our party and our candidates, nor can it ever be described as a set back to our democracy. The ultimate issue in this regard is the conduct of free, fair and credible elections.
“We restate that the PDP position on these issues remains our commitment to the sustenance of free, fair and credible elections, which is one of the greatest legacies of President Goodluck Jonathan.”
The party warned that “Let nobody irresponsibly politicise what is clearly a practical and administrative decision that affects everyone and all parties equally. At this present time, Nigeria needs men of history and not hysteria.”