The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has announced plans to introduce downloadable and printable Permanent Voter Cards for Osun State voters whose PVCs were snatched, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, during a visit to the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, on Friday.
Prof. Amupitan said the technology, which was introduced recently, will be deployed for the first time to ensure no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
He explained that the stolen PVCs would not be useful to those who took them, noting that no one would be allowed to vote without proper accreditation.
“For the PVCs that have been snatched, it will not be useful for those that snatched them. We are introducing downloadable, printable PVCs for those whose PVCs were stolen so that they will not be disenfranchised.
“From today, we are commencing the distribution of the downloadable PVCs,” he stated.
Speaking on the preparedness for the poll, Prof. Amupitan said the commission is putting mechanisms in place to ensure that the election is peaceful, timely and transparent.
“The election is successful if it is peaceful, the logistics are right, it starts on time and ends on time, and if the result management is very effective, efficient, transparent, and results are announced on time,” he said.
He acknowledged that political tension in Osun is high, but assured that the Commission is working with security agencies to guarantee peace.
“Right from Abuja, we are working with the police, the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, and service chiefs to ensure special deployment for Osun State so that the election will be peaceful. We don’t want violence,” he said.
The INEC Chairman also urged the traditional ruler to intervene and call political actors to order.
“You are the custodian of our heritage, and your voice counts a lot. Invite the principal actors and talk to them, and let them know that we are one and an election should not divide us. Please intervene for the overall good of everyone,” he told Oba Oyetunji.
Prof. Amupitan, who described the Osun election as a mirror to the 2027 general election, stressed that the winner must emerge through the ballot.
“The decision of who becomes the governor should not be decided by bullet but by the will of the people through their votes. We are committed to ensuring that this is achieved, and the good people of Osun State will make the decision,” he said.
Responding to the INEC chairman, Oba Oyetunji urged the commission to conduct a credible election in the state.
“I appreciate you and your team for this visit. You have been doing well, and I want to urge you to please ensure a fair, free and credible election,” the monarch told Amupitan.
