PVC: Multiple Registration Attracts Imprisonment – INEC

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated its position that multiple Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration attracts severe penalty, including fine and imprisonment as provided in section 114 (b) of the electoral Act 2022. INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mallam Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, who emphasized this while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, […]

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reinstated its position that multiple Permanent Voters Card (PVC) registration attracts severe penalty, including fine and imprisonment as provided in section 114 (b) of the electoral Act 2022.

INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Bayelsa State, Mallam Isah Shaka Ehimeakhe, who emphasized this while speaking with newsmen in Yenagoa, the state capital, on the resumption of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) stated that the issue of double registration remains a serious concern.

He warned that the commission’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once

He said: “Once you have been issued a PVC or previously completed the registration process, you do not need to register again, attempting to do so amounts to double registration, which is a punishable offence under law.

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“Specifically, section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment or both.

“INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is designed to detect multiple registrations and flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.

“Voter Registration is not only a fundamental right but also a duty of every eligible citizens of Nigeria, no individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered to do so. We urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and have not yet registered to do so.

“The commission remains resolute in protecting the voting rights of every eligible Nigerian, no eligible citizen will be denied the opportunity to register and vote. INEC will collaborate with security agencies and other partners to ensure a practical, secure and transparent registration exercise.” he said.