Tinubu apologises, clarifies statement on ‘expired’ PVCs

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has apologised over the misleading claim he made on the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the PVCs may have to be updated.

The Star reports that Tinubu, at the APC Women Conference in Abuja on Tuesday, told his supporters to register ahead of the 2023 general election because their PVCs had expired.

The claim by the APC chieftain was later refuted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), noting that Nigerians who have the PVCs do not need to register again as the cards have not expired.

However, Tinubu, in a statement by his media office on Thursday, apologised for the claim he made concerning the PVCs.

The former Lagos State Governor further enjoined his supporters to review their voting details with INEC to ensure the details are updated before the forthcoming elections.

The statement read: “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 mobilise supporters to vote, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.

“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused.

“Asiwaju Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.

“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasized the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy. He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend.

“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide, adding that such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.

“Asiwaju Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established.

“He enjoins them to review their voting details with INEC so that these details will be updated before the coming elections.”