Former Lagos governor and presidential aspirant Bola Tinubu has apologized over his misleading claim on Permanent Voter’s Card.
Mr Tinubu while addressing women leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) at his Abuja residence on Tuesday advised Nigerians to reregister to get new PVCs as the one in their possession have expired.
Reacting to his claim, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) warned against registering more than once as doing so will mean breaking the law.
The electoral body also said the PVCs does not have expiry dates and can only be replaced when defaced.
Apologizing for his misleading claim, the national leader of the ruling party in a statement by his spokesman, Tunde Rahman, he was sorry for the confusion it caused.
“Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused,” Mr Rahman explained. “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. Such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.
“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.”