By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
P9O Newsletter
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our investigative stories, breaking news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
  • Home
  • Nigeria
  • Politics
  • Metro
  • World
  • Lifestlye
  • Football
  • 2023 Election
Reading: Guber polls: Court orders INEC to allow use of TVCs
Prime 9ja Online
Prime 9ja Online Prime 9ja Online
Aa
  • Africa
  • Business
  • Football
  • Metro
  • Nigeria
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Technology
Search
  • Categories
  • _Football
  • _Lifestyle
  • _World
  • _Metro
  • _Politics
  • _Nigeria
  • Pages
  • _About Us
  • _Contact Us
  • _Privacy Policy
Follow Us
Politics

Guber polls: Court orders INEC to allow use of TVCs

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) in th...

Chima Joseph Ugo
Chima Joseph Ugo - Editor-in-chief March 09, 2023
Updated March 9, 2023 at 2:09 PM
Share
Guber polls: Court orders INEC to allow use of TVCs
SHARE

Guber polls: Court orders INEC to allow use of TVCs
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to allow Temporary Voter Cards (TVCs) in the forthcoming governorship and state houses of assembly elections. The ruling was made by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in a suit filed by two Nigerians seeking the use of TVCs in the absence of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). 

The judge ruled that the plaintiffs were duly registered and captured in INEC’s database and were entitled to vote using their TVCs. He also stated that no portion of the law only mandates using PVCs but provides for a voter’s card under Section 47 of the Electoral Act.

The judge, however, could not grant the prayer to allow every eligible voter with a TVC to vote because the suit was not filed in a representative capacity. The judgment is binding on INEC and enforceable unless there is an appeal. 

INEC had repeatedly held that only eligible voters with PVCs would be allowed to vote in the 2023 presidential, governorship, and parliamentary elections.

Speaking to newsmen, counsel to the plaintiffs, Victor Opatola, said the judgment was a win for all Nigerians who fulfilled all necessary requirements to register to vote but could not get their PVCs before the election due to no fault of theirs. 

Opatola said that it was the law of equity that what applied to the goose should also apply to the gander. He added that the content of the TVC was the same as the PVC, and the only difference was the plastic used for the PVC.

The plaintiffs, Kofoworola Olusegun and Wilson Allwell challenged the position of INEC. They asked the court to determine whether a person whose name appears in the electronic format in INEC’s central database and manual, printed paper-based record or hard copy format of the register of voters and has been assigned a Voter’s Identification Number (VIN) can be accredited to vote with their TVC in the general election. 

They also asked the court to grant a declaration that they, having fulfilled all necessary legal requirements to register and having been captured in INEC’s database, are entitled to vote using their TVC in the 2023 General Elections.

The ruling has generated mixed reactions from Nigerians, with some commending the court for upholding the rights of citizens to vote. In contrast, others expressed concerns about the potential for voter fraud and multiple voting. 

Some have also raised questions about the capacity of INEC to handle the use of TVCs in the election, especially considering the challenges faced during the distribution of PVCs.

Tags: Politics

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Be keep up! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share this Article
Facebook WhatsApp TwitterEmail Print

You Might Also Like

Facebook Like
Twitter Follow
Pinterest Pin
Telegram Subscribe
Prime 9ja Online

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive our latest updates instantly on your email.

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Code of Ethics
  • Corrections and Correctives
  • Editorial Integrity
  • Ethical Conduct
  • Funding

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Submit a Tip

© 2025 Prime 9ja Online Media - All Rights Reserved.

Follow Us