Tinubu apologises over 'incorrect claim' on PVC, says it was a mistake

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has apologised for saying Permanent Voters’ Cards have an expiry date.

Tinubu had made the claim while addressing women leaders of the APC who paid him a visit in Abuja, on Tuesday, January 18, 2022.

Following his comment, the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, countered the claim by the formal governor of Lagos, saying previously registered PVCs remain valid. 

The Chief Technical Adviser to the Chairman of INEC, Prof Bolade Eyinla said Tinubu’s claim could “push eligible voters to register more than once thereby creating the problem of double and multiple registrations.”

Retracting his claim, Tinubu in a statement signed by Tunde Rahman from his media office admitted his claim on PVC was incorrect.

The presidential aspirant said while he was addressing the women, he mistakenly used the word ‘expire’ instead of stating that the cards may have to be updated.

He, however, apologised for the incorrect statement saying he felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused.

The statement reads in part: “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”.

Tinubu, who thanked the INEC and its personnel for their work in ensuring a free and fair electoral process also advised women to continue to moblise voters to update their PVCs and review their voting details with INEC.