Cross section of residents in Ikorodu division, during the 1-Million Man March for Permanent Voters Card, spoke with THE IMPACT crew on their experiences on the registration and collection of the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State.
Dr. Abiodun Fatai-Abatan, a Political Science Lecturer with the Lagos State University, Ojo and the Coordinator of I-Million Man March:
“We discovered that people are not registering nor collecting their PVC and that shows that the awareness is not enough. Also, people are facing challenges in getting their PVC which is a direct result of the location of the INEC office in ikrorodu. The office is located in a GRA which make it difficult for people to access the office in other to register or collect their PVC. We are staging this rally today so that we can sensitize the people on the need to get their PVC irrespective of the difficulties being faced. Without everyone having their PVCs, we cannot effect any meaningful change nor reap any dividends of democracy or good governance. Also, we are speaking with the INEC officials on how they can decentralized the registration and collection centres in the division such that people can easily access their offices. We feel it is imperative under the GOA Team to organize the awareness campaign in other to enlighten the people on the need to register and collect their PVC to be able to make meaningful contribution to the development of the nation by voting”.
Asipa Kaoli Olatunji Olusanya, APC State Vice Chairman, Lagos East Senatorial District:
“In All Progressive Congress (APC), we feel disturbed that large numbers of voters’ cards still remain uncollected with INEC. This prompted our decision to sensitize the people on the need to go and collect their PVCs. The issue on ground is in two faces, there are those who have registered but have not collected their PVCs and those who have moved from their previous residences to a new location. That is why we have stage this campaign to sensitize people on the need to register and collect their PVCs and how those who have changed residence can transfer their PVCs. The importance of the PVC cannot be overemphasized as it is the only way to choose leaders that we desire and not by agitating or going on social media to complain on the state of the nation. We want the people to go register and collect their voters card. The party offices are also open to anyone having issues or who needs enlightenment on how to go about PVC transferring”.
Mr. Seyi Adelabu, a Civil Servant and Social Commentator :
“It hasn’t been easy to get the PVC. For those of us that registered in 2015, it was a bit easy for us. But now, it is not easy. People who have changed locations find it difficult to transfer their PVCs to their present locations. I think INEC should find a way of making people get their PVCs easily. They should do an awareness campaign to make people know their various offices in every local government. There shouldn’t be any restriction in voting. People should be able to register online and within a week or two, they should get their PVCs. I don’t know why it is difficult for us in Nigeria to get things done easily. Once people know that they will get registered at every INEC office in record time, they will be willing to register. Therefore, I want INEC to do more in getting more people to registered.”
Mr. Omotayo Popson, A Sports Administrator and Media Practitioner:
“Actually, it has become difficult for people to get their PVCs, though, it wasn’t difficult for some of us to get our PVCs few years back. I encourage those having difficulties in getting their PVC to be steadfast till they get it as INEC will not count prayer points during elections. I think what INEC needs to do now is to get PVC registration centers closer to the people at the grassroots. For instance, where INEC office is in Ikorodu is very hidden and the people find it difficult to locate the office”.
Hon. Abayomi Kazeem, a Politician:
“Getting my PVC wasn’t difficult because I registered few years back, but the story is not the same now as our people now find it difficult to get their PVCs. I will encourage everyone to go and register and ensure they collect their PVCs. INEC should please do more to enable the people get their PVC in record time”.
Alhaji Kolawole Fatai Olayiwola, Deputy Chairman, Ikorodu-Oga Development Association (IKODASS):
“We are here to sensitize people so that they can know the importance of PVC. Many people are yet to get their PVCs and that is why we are here to create the awareness and not just think people have gotten it and also to tell them that without it, they can’t vote”.
Mayo Deen Sanwoola, Director-General, iCare Foundation:
“We are here to educate Ikorodu residents about PVC collection for electioneering purposes which is one of their civic responsibilities. We need INEC to create more registration and collection centers”.
Rasheed Adedeji Fatuga, Founder, Ikorodu Ambassador Group:
“This rally is meant to sensitize the people on why they have to go out there and collect their PVC. I want our people to go out massively and collect their PVC and when it is time for elections, they should go out and vote. The aspirant that is facilitating this sensitization meant well and our people should vote for him. He is going to perform well because of his people-oriented programmes, He has been carrying stakeholders, youths and everybody along. Ganiu Abiru, the man contesting for Senate, is a man of honor and honesty. So, people love him and they are going to key into his ambition. INEC has to improve on their service delivery. People are expecting so much from them”.
Awolesi Olabisi, Resident
“Today’s event is a great one and we really want to thank the organizers. It is true that PVC is not obtained from social media, which is why we are out here to sensitize our people on the need for them to go and get their PVC. INEC should make sure that they attend to peole so that they can get their PVC which is the only ticket to vote in good leaders. Something urgent has to be done to redress the issue of complaints arising from people’s experiences at INEC office”.
