A group in the Southwest state of Lagos has urged residents to collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) following a two-week extension by the electoral body, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The All Professional Arise Initiative (APAI) on Sunday said the right to vote is one of the most powerful rights that Nigerians and Lagos residents have, urging them to make the most of it.
The group made up of professionals from different works of life said the working class citizens particularly need to sacrifice some time to get their PVCs.
In a chat with Chronicle NG, President of the group, Samuel Adeniyi-Tiamiu explained that the group has embarked on road shows and has deployed flyers as means of sensitizing Lagos residents.
“Everyone who is 18 and above should get their PVCs because it is very important in shaping our future and those of our children. The forthcoming elections gives us a right to exercise our powers as citizens.
He explained that when residents refuse to collect their PVCs, they are indirectly encouraging and endorsing election fraud.
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“When we hear politicians buying PVCs, they are the PVCs of those who have refused to claim theirs from INEC that they buy. What we have done by not collecting our PVC is that we are encouraging them to rig using our cards.
Adeniyi-Tiamiu explained that the PVC serves multiple purposes for holders and should be seen as a multifunctional card.
“After the elections, we can use the PVC as verification ID Cards, for bank transactions, utilities, etc. The PVC serves more than one purpose and every Nigerian should have it once they are above 18.
He said the group will embark on more road shows and sensitisation exercises to encourage more Lagos residents to collect their PVCs.
“We plan more road shows and awareness exercises. We want more people to be involved, to collect their PVCs and exercise their rights in the 2019 general election.”
