Publish data of PVCs collection nationwide, Budgit tells INEC

A civic data-driven organisation, Budgit Nigeria yesterday asked the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the number of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) so far collected nationwide before the rescheduled 2019 elections.

It argued that this was the right thing to do in the country’s quest for free, fair and credible elections, stressing that Nigerians should have data of expected voters who would participate in the electoral process, even in the midst of uncertainties.

INEC had disclosed a total of 84 million registered voters for the general elections, but questions continue to arise from local and international observers as to the total number of collected PVCs in the country.

The organisation argued that 84 million registered voters is vague and susceptible to manipulation if Nigerians no access to the actual data of collected PVCs.

It stated that INEC’s reluctance to do the needful by declaring the total number of PVCs collected nationwide, casts doubts on its integrity and the credibility of the upcoming elections.

“As at February 17, 2015, a list of 52 million registered was published, with regular updates from the last elections. INEC’s hesitation to do the needful now casts doubts on its integrity and credibility of the upcoming polls.

“Without any travesty, the administrative and political tension surrounding the 2019 general elections, are manifest threats to free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria”.

Communications Associate of BudgIT, Shakir Akorede told The Guardian that in the presence of contentious accusations of rigging flying from both sides of the political divide, coupled with INEC’s abrupt ‘logistics’ failure, there was reason to be worried about the secrecy in which the major data that can safeguard the elections from possible manipulations is being confined.

“Once again, we urge INEC to publish the total number of PVCs collected in all the states. In the quest for fair elections, this is the right thing. Nigerians should, amidst the uncertainties, have data of expected votes,” he stated.