As election season dey near for Nigeria, people for Ebonyi don begin ginger themselves well well to take part. One of the most important things wey every eligible voter must do before election na to get Permanent Voter Card (PVC). Without PVC, person no fit vote — na law matter from Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): “No PVC, no vote.”
This year and next general elections wey dey form, voter registration and PVC collection don dey buzz everywhere. Normally, person suppose pre-register, waka go their Local Government INEC office, do biometric capture, and collect PVC once e don ready. But as we dey talk now, wahala still dey for many areas — and Ebonyi na one of the states wey people dey wonder if enough citizens don get their PVCs.
For 2023, Governor David Umahi declare two-day public holiday so civil servants and other residents fit go PVC collection centres comfortably. That kind gesture show say government sabi the importance of PVC collection and dem wan make people fit secure their voter rights.
Even with that effort, recent times still dey show mixed feelings about how ready people dey. Across South-East, including Anambra, INEC dey organise Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) — ongoing process for people to register and collect PVCs. Official data show say for first week of national online pre-registration, Ebonyi record small numbers compared to some other states. This fit mean two things: either many people don already get PVCs from before, or some never really show interest to register again.
Another layer wey make the matter interesting na say, for previous elections, some reports suggest say some people dey sell their PVCs — especially rural voters — to alleged political agents. If this kind thing dey happen, e fit reduce real registered voters wey go actually keep their PVCs till election day.
Still, voter education and mobilisation dey slowly increase. Political parties and civic groups dey try talk to youths and adults to make dem understand why PVC matter. If person no carry PVC, dem no fit vote — and that fit make many voices no count.
For many communities, election preparation no just mean talk. E don mean physical waka go INEC centres. People dey ask questions like: “Where my PVC dey?” and “When I suppose come collect am?” Plenty youths and adults dey travel go their Local Government offices to follow up. But lack of strong official schedule from INEC for this year dey cause small confusion. INEC even warn public against fake timetables wey dey circulate online.
Every election wey dey come close, aftermath dey always show say too many people miss voting simply because dem no collect PVC on time. So sensitisation and mobilisation remain key.
Ebonyi State dey prepare for election — and PVC matter na big gbege wey still dey. Some people don get their PVCs, but e still get many wey never collect. Government and INEC officials don try before, but more community awareness, early collection, and strong planning go make sure majority of Ebonyians fit vote.
As election dey draw nearer, every eligible voter for Ebonyi State suppose check their PVC status early, waka go INEC centre, and no procrastinate. Because rule still dey: No PVC, no vote.
As we dey bring you tori wey concern our yard every Saturday, remember say Tori for Yard na your space too. If anything dey happen for your area wey you wan make the world hear, send am come ENN — together, we go make sure every voice counts.
