Tinubu apologizes over false claim on PVC, says it was a mistake

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the All Progressives Congress’s (APC) National Leader, has apologized for insinuating that Permanent Voters’ Cards had an expiration date. Tinubu made the allegation during a speech to female APC leaders who paid him a visit in Abuja on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

Following his statement, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) refuted the official governor of Lagos’ allegation on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, stating that previously registered PVCs remained valid.

Prof Bolade Eyinla, Chief Technical Adviser to INEC Chairman, said Tinubu’s claim could “incent eligible voters to register multiple times, thereby creating the problem of double and multiple registrations.”

Tinubu retracted his assertion in a statement signed by Tunde Rahman from his media office.

While addressing the ladies, the presidential candidate said that he used the term ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may need to be updated.

He later apologized for the erroneous comment, expressing regret for any confusion it may have created.

“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. “While charging the women to check the status of their voting cards and mobilize supporters to vote, he used the incorrect term ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may need to be updated.

Tinubu, who expressed gratitude to INEC and its staff for their efforts in ensuring a free and fair electoral process, also advised women to continue mobilizing voters to update their PVCs and review their voting details with INEC.

Source: Docupdates