The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Niger state says 2, 167, 788 voters in the state have collected their cards ahead of the forthcoming general elections slated for February and March this year.
Speaking at a news conference in Minna, INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof Sam Egwu said that between 2011 to date 2, 390, 039 eligible voters have registered, adding that out of the number, 2, 167, 788 voters cards have been collected.
He said the commission expected all those who collected their cards to vote.
Prof Egwu expressed worries that many registered voters who have their PVC transferred from other states to Niger are yet to claim them, explaining that out of 22, 839 who requested for the transfer of their PVC, only 6, 439 have come forward to receive them.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the commission has recruited and trained a total of 22, 034 workers ahead of the elections in the state.
He explained that the recruited mostly, members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) to beef up its ad hoc staff requirement but their number had fallen short of its target.
He said 3, 185 of the 22, 034 trained ad hoc staff would serve as Presiding Officers, while 14, 850 are Assistant Presiding Officers.
According to him, the Commission has also trained collation and returning officers ahead of the exercise.
He stated the commission was fully prepared for the forthcoming elections as it has secured the required manpower, logistics and materials for the exercise.
He promised that it would continue to provide regular information and voters education as the dates draw closer.
Prof Egwu said the Commission has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) for the transportation of materials and personnel during the elections.
He explained that with the agreement the unions are expected to partner with the Commission in early and timely delivery of materials and personnel on election day.
“INEC is particularly thrilled by the content of this MoU that specifies the roles of leadership of the unions in ensuring proper behaviour on the part of their drivers and functionaries”, he noted.
He also said the Commission was collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in ensuring that vehicles designated for the operations are in good order.
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