INEC officials demand N2,000 before releasing PVCs in Anambra – Resident alleges

Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have been accused of demanding money from applicants before releasing their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs.

The allegation surfaced in a video circulating on social media, where a resident claimed that some officials at the INEC office requested N2,000 from applicants before processing and issuing their voter cards.

According to him, one of the officials, identified simply identified as Mrs Otito, allegedly requested the money.

The resident said when one of the applicants insisted that voter cards are issued free of charge and attempted to record a video, an argument broke out.

He further alleged that Mrs Otito physically assaulted them during the confrontation and bit a young woman on the breast while she was trying to separate those involved.

In the footage, voices (in Igbo language) could be heard during a heated exchange.

Recall that INEC has maintained that voter registration, PVC collection, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details and replacement of lost or damaged voter cards are services provided free of charge.

The electoral body has consistently advised citizens to report any form of extortion by its officials or temporary staff involved in voter registration activities.

INEC, at the time of filing this report has not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegations from the Onitsha South office.