COURT DECIDES FATE OF REGISTERED VOTERS WITHOUT PVCs

Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court, Abuja, today, adjourned till January 30, the decision whether to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow registered voters without Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) participate in the forthcoming general election.

Justice Nyako fixed the date for judgment shortly after lawyers representing parties in the matter ended their submissions for and against the case.

In the event that the plaintifffs’ case succeeds, the court is expected to either order INEC to ensure all registered voters get their PVCs before the general election, which commences with the presidential and National Assembly elections or in the alternative allow the use of temporary voters card or Voters Identification Number (VIN).

The Incorporated Trustees of International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Mr Emmanuel Chukwuka and Mr Bruno Okeahialam, had, in their suit asked the court to determine whether INEC can, as a consequence of its own contraption, bottleneck, compromise or negligence disenfranchise or deprive Nigerians the right or opportunity to vote in the forthcoming general election, having regard to the true intention of Section 47 subsection (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Mr Max Uzoaka, in his argument, urged the court to declare that all persons who have duly registered with INEC as voters and whose names are contained in its register of voters and, or electronic data base of registered voters should not be deprived of the right to vote in the forthcoming elections.

The lawyer claimed that the cause of action was triggered by a statement attributed to the INEC Chairman, Proffessor Mahmood Yakubu, wherein he acknowledged that INEC facilities were attacked and razed down.