INEC Reacts As Court Orders It To Allow Use Of Temporary Voter Cards

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reacted to a court ruling on Thursday directing the commission to allow the use of Temporary Voter Cards (TVCS).

Naija News had earlier reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday ordered the electoral body to allow the use of TVC in the March 18 gubernatorial election.

The presiding judge, Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order while delivering judgment in a suit filed by two Nigerians seeking the use of TVCs in the general elections when Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are not available.

According to the judge, the order was given under the premise that the plaintiffs were duly registered and captured in INEC’s database before the commencement of the general election.

According to Vanguard, INEC in its reaction to the court ruling said it has not received the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the order of a federal high court mandating it to allow registered voters with TVCS to participate in the forthcoming elections.

The commission also described the order as going contrary to the provisions of the Electoral Act 2033 (as amended), which provides that only voters with Permanent Voter Cards PVCs should be allowed to vote in the elections.