The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is refusing to allow certain Muslims to register for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in various south western states, according to the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC).
This statement was made by Professor Isiaq Akintola, the director of MURIC, on Sunday in Ibadan during a lecture he gave at a meeting of the Political Awareness Group (PAG), a group of Muslim professionals and technocrats in Nigeria.
Alhaji Daud Akinola Makanjuola, who was represented by Alhaji Kazeem Eleta, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in Oyo state, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, APC senatorial candidate in Oyo Central district, Dr. Yunus Aknitunde, PAG Chairman, Barrister Abdulwaheed Olowonjaye, and other notables attended the program.
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Speaking at the stakeholders conference with the topic “2023 general elections: Nigeria Muslims decide,” Akintola said that certain INEC employees are stopping Muslims in Oyo and other south-western states from enrolling for PVCs.
He said that numerous complaints and claims that PVC registration was being blocked in Oyo and other South West states had flooded the MURIC headquarters.
In his subsequent remarks, Akintola urged Muslims and Nigerians in general to obtain PVCs in order to cast ballots for their favored candidates.
He warned Nigerians to avoid vote buying and urged youngsters to avoid thuggery.
He said, “Muslims are complaining that they are being deprived of the right to register for PVCs in some states in the South. In all our offices, we have been receiving complaints that Muslims are being deprived the opportunity to register for PVCs.
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“They are being deprived by asking them to remove their caps and Hijabs. It is not only in Oyo State but all states in the South West. This is only in the South, it is not happening in the North. It is not so in Kano, Kaduna or Niger states. Why is it that they are denying them the right to register?
“Why are they intimidating Muslims the right to register for PVCs? That means the vote of Muslims will reduce. We are warning INEC not to deny the Muslims the right to register for PVCs. Disenfranchisement is a criminal offence. No one should deny you to register for PVCs.
“We will not ask you to show your PVCs before you come to the mosque. It is for Ummah. The INEC has extended the date of the deadline. Don’t wait till tomorrow. We must get it. You cannot vote with a rosary.
“All Muslim groups should make emphasis on it. It is important that we get our PVCs. Don’t sell your votes. Don’t be involved in vote buying. Don’t get involved in political thuggery, the person who wants to use you is keeping his children at home”.
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Agboke, in his remarks, explained that there is no policy of INEC that prevents anyone from registering for PVCs because of Hijab.
He said, “There is no policy of INEC that prevents anyone from registering because of Hijab.
“If anyone is being denied because of Hijab in Oyo State, such a person should make a formal complaint. But, I know that my staff in Oyo state cannot deny anyone from registering because of Hijab.’
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