Your votes will count in 2023 polls, INEC reassures Imo electorate

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency, equity and fairness in the conduct of 2023 general elections. 

Head of Department, Voter Education and Publicity, Imo INEC, Emmanuela Ben-Opara, gave the assurance while addressing over 5,000 market women during a sensitisation campaign on collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), organised by Pan African Women Project, held at World Bank Market, Owerri. 

Ben-Opara said that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) is one of the strategies employed by the Commission to ensure that the conduct of 2023 polls is not only credible, but also remarkable in the history of Nigeria. 

She also urged Imo electorate, especially women and youths, to collect their PVCs and participate actively, while assuring the Commission’s preparedness to ensure that every vote counts during the election exercise.

Reacting to security issues, including recent attack on INEC offices in the state, which many believe have created anxiety and doubt in the minds of people, the INEC official said: “Don’t be afraid of anything. 2023 elections will go as planned, and INEC is ready to ensure that every vote counts during the election. But you must first go and pick up your PVCs to enable you vote. Remember, your vote is your right.”

Speaking to newsmen at the event, Head of Mission, Eno Udensi, Assistant Head of Mission, Bontle Matjila, and Mrs. Joyce Nana of the Pan African Women Project disclosed that the essence of the sensitisation exercise was to encourage women to partner with efforts that would guarantee credible 2023 elections. 

Nana said: “We want to encourage women, especially market women in Imo, on the need to go all out and pick their PVCs. We also want to let them know that without their PVCs, they cannot vote. They should use it to vote to engender positive change in the country for their benefit and that of their children.”