As a not-for-profit organization focused on civic engagement and inclusive societies, Rising Child Initiative is deeply concerned about the current state of PVC collection in Nigeria. Despite numerous efforts by the government and other organizations to ensure that all eligible citizens are able to collect their PVCs, it is clear that millions of Nigerians are still without their cards.
The primary reason for this is the ongoing scarcity of fuel in the country, which has severely impacted logistics and transportation. This has made it difficult for many citizens, particularly those living in rural areas, to access the PVC collection centers. The situation has been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made it even harder for people to travel and access services.
Given these challenges, it is clear that the current deadline for PVC collection is unrealistic and will likely result in millions of Nigerians being disenfranchised in the upcoming election. This is unacceptable and undermines the democratic process.
We, therefore, call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the deadline for PVC collection. This extension would give citizens more time to collect their cards and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the election.
Additionally, it is important to note that extending the deadline for PVC collection would also have other benefits. It would allow for a more accurate voter register, which would increase the credibility and transparency of the election. It would also give political parties and candidates more time to reach out to voters and mobilize support.
We urge the government and INEC to take immediate action to extend the deadline for PVC collection. This is a crucial step towards ensuring that all Nigerians have an equal opportunity to participate in the democratic process.