Political Awareness Group, PAG has advised Nigerians who do not have Permanent Voter Card (PVC) not to complain of bad governance after the 2023 elections.
Chairman of PAG, Barrister Abdulwaheed Olowonjaye stated this in Ibadan while speaking during a stakeholder’s conference organised by the group, an Association of Muslim Professionals and Technocrats.
Barrister Olowonjaye explained that the motive of the conference was to awaken the consciousness of Nigerian Muslims to get their PVCs.
He said anyone who could not get his or her PVC before the 2023 elections should not complain of bad governance after winners emerge stressing that PVC is the only power Nigerians have to change the country for good.
Barrister Olowonjaye while speaking further enjoined the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to extend the registration deadline so as to allow those who have not registered for their PVCs to do so.
He advised those who will emerge as winners of the various elections in 2023 to deliver good governance.
He said, “We are here today as we can see that Nigerians are preparing for 2023 elections. We want to awaken the consciousness of the Muslims. They should get their PVC and vote for the right candidates.
“We are technocrats and professionals. We want to know how Muslims are preparing for the elections”.
“They should not complain of bad governance if they cannot get their PVC.
“This is the time to till the land, this is the time to sow the seeds. They should not complain. This is the time to prepare. If we want good governance, this is the time to sow the seeds. They should get their PVCs and vote during the elections”.
“I enjoin INEC to extend registration to allow all eligible voters to register.”
Speaking on the theme of the conference “2023 General Elections: Nigeria Muslims Decide”,Director, Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, Professor Isiaq Akintola enjoined all Muslim groups to be politically active and emphasize the need for their members to register and get their PVCs.
“It is important that we get our PVCs. Don’t sell your votes. Don’t be involved in vote buying. Don’t involve in political thuggery, the person who wants to use you is keeping his children at home”.
He urged INEC not to deny anyone from registering for PVCs stressing that disenfranchisement is a criminal offence.
“We will not ask you to show your PVCs before you come to mosque. It is for Ummah. The INEC has extended the date of the deadline. Don’t wait till tomorrow. We must get it. You cannot vote with rosary”.
In a remark, INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Oyo State, Barrister Mutiu
Agboke explained that there is no policy of the commission that prevents anyone from registering for PVCs because of Hijab.
“If anyone is being denied because of Hijab in Oyo state, such person should make formal complain. But, I know that my staff in Oyo state cannot deny anyone from registering because of Hijab”.
“I want to appeal to you, our Muslim community should sensitive members to register for PVCs and vote for candidates of their choice.
Among the dignitaries at the programme were the Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Akinola who was represented by Alhaji Kazeem Eleta, APC Governorship candidate in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin represented by Alhaji Rashid Folarin, APC Senatorial candidate in Oyo Central district, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, Baagi of Sakiland, High Chief AbdRasheed Adegoke
