The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated it’s commitment to the strict adherence to election guidelines by using the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and Smart Card Readers (SCRs) for the 11th April 2015 Governorship and State Assembly elections.
INEC made the reiteration in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Kayode Idowu on Thursday after the commission said it received reports that some political leaders are asking members of the public to disregard its stated resolve to use PVCs and SCRs for the elections.
Idowu noted that a particular state governor in the North Central geo-political zone is reported to have assured voters in the state that they could come out to vote on Election Day with Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) if they do not have the PVC, and that INEC will not be allowed to insist on the use of SCRs for voter accreditation.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to disregard false assurances that contradict the regulations INEC has outlined for the governorship and state assembly elections,” Idowu said.
“The Commission reaffirms that only voters with genuine PVCs should come out to the polling units on Election Day, and that guidelines issued on the use of SCRs for the April 11 elections will be strictly applied.
“Any action infringing these guidelines will be an electoral offence, and security agents will be on hand to apprehend offenders.”
Idowu also applauded voters for their peaceful conduct and exemplary resilience, even in the face of challenges, during the Presidential and National Assembly elections on 28th March.
However, he said the commission considers it unfortunate that some leaders would misguide the public and prepare ground for needless disruptions to the polling process on 11th April.
“INEC hereby warns that any obstruction to the processes it has put in place for the elections by any person, no matter how highly placed, will constitute an electoral offence punishable in law,” Idowu added.
Meanwhile, Idowu announced that the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of Kogi State, Alhaji Hussaini Halilu Pai, has been appointed to supervise the conduct of the Governorship and State Assembly elections in Kano State, following the tragic demise of Alhaji Minkala Abdullahi last weekend.
Before his posting as FCT REC, Pai was the REC who conducted the 21st June 2014 elections in Ekiti State REC.
In his absence, the REC for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Professor Jacob Jatau, will supervise the 11th April conduct of State Assembly election in Kogi State.
