Michael Ofulue ,Osogbo

Residents of Osun State have  continued to besiege the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices across the local government areas of the state for collection of their Permanent Voters Cards,(PVCs) ahead of general elections next year.

Our correspondent witnessed a seamless collection at various local governments, wards across the local government areas.

Some of the residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed mixed reactions on the exercise.

A resident of Ede North Local Government, Mr Bolaji Akinwumi ,who commended the process, described it as smooth process.

Akinwumi who said that he collected his card in less than 20 minutes, however, said there was low turnout

“I collected my card within 20 minutes. This is made possible as a result of the low turnout. You know majority of the people have collected their cards before the conduct of the July 16 gubernatorial election.

Another resident, Moses Odewande said he arrived at the commission’s office located along Stadium road, Osogbo some minutes past 9 a.m. and collected his card before 9:13a.m. without any stress.

“I did a transfer sometimes in August and I collected my card on Friday. Though, I couldn’t use the card for the last gubernatorial election in the state. But, I’m now happy that I won’t be disenfranchised come 2023. I must commend INEC. It did not take me up to 15 minutes to collect my card. I believe INEC has been doing a good job

“I equally prayed that, the general elections will be peaceful and that my vote will count. I think the problem is we, the registered voters. If we can be more organised, respect INEC guidelines, the process will be faster,” he said.

Also, John Obuh , from Boluwaduro Local Government area of the state berated the process as he could not find his PVC.

One of the INEC officials who did not want his name in print, attributed the development to double registration.

When asked, whether he was actually found wanting of double registration he was just dilly-dallying and could not give cogent reason on why he decided to do double registration which is an offence under the Electoral Laws.