Tinubu apologises for ‘incorrect statement’ on INEC’s PVCs

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has apologised for saying Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) can with Nigerians have expired.

Tinubu, who has signalled his intention to run for President in 2023, made the claim on Tuesday while speaking to a delegation of women from Lagos across the country.

However, an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has debunked the claim, noting that previously registered PVCs remain valid for voting in 2023.

In a statement on Wednesday, a spokesperson to Mr. Tinubu, Tunde Rahman, said the comment was a mistake.

“On Tuesday night in Abuja, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu granted audience to a delegation of women from Lagos and across the country attending the All Progressives Congress Women Conference,” the statement said.

“While charging the women to check the status of their voting cards and mobilise supporters to vote, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.

“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused.

“Asiwaju Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.

“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasized the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy. He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend, he said.

“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide, adding that such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.

“Asiwaju Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established.

“He enjoins them to review their voting details with INEC so that these details will be updated before the coming elections.”