SURGE FOR PVCs, AN INDICATION OF PEOPLE’S DISSATISFACTION WITH THE STATUS QUO – POLITICAL ANALYST

REPORTER: ALFRED AJAYI

A political affairs analyst, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, says the surge in the number of Nigerians seeking to register to obtain their permanent voter’s cards is an indication of their resolve to take their destiny in their hands and rescue Nigeria from bad leadership.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria in a telephone interview, Chief Ezeugwa described the sudden interest as being demonstrated by Nigerians, particularly the youth, as a reflection of popular dis-satisfaction with the current condition of the country.

“Most Nigerians are dissatisfied and in democracy, there is no other way to effect a change than to obtain your voter’s card, which makes one eligible to elect candidates of one’s choice as leaders.

“People are not safe anywhere with unemployment and inflation hitting the roof. Nigerians are yearning for positive change,” he said.

The analyst, while expressing worry about various complaints from registration centres, especially in the southern part of the country, where many enthusiastic citizens have been queuing for days to register, charged INEC to address the issues to dispel all negative insinuations.

“I wonder why problems are majorly emanating from the South. The North seems to be free, things going on very well.

“Our young ones and others are going through difficulties before they register.

“Nigerians are poised for the PVCs. They want to take their destiny in their hands,” he remarked.

Chief Ezeugwa appealed passionately to all Nigerians, especially those who are registering anew and INEC to be patient, resilient and committed through the stressful registration process at the various centres.

“I urge the people who are besieging the registrations centres to exercise patience. I also appeal to INEC to allow all who are willing to register to do so.

“If Nigerians have gone through all these challenges to register, they must come out in their numbers to elect candidates of their choice. In 2023, it cannot be business as usual,” Chief
Ezeugwa appealed.

On the entire electoral process, Chief Ezeugwa urged INEC to be careful and thorough as it works within the confines of the law towards ensuring the success of the 2023 general election.

“I wish above all things that INEC understands that Nigerians, who have demonstrated this unprecedented zeal, will not entertain any funny attitude during the 2023 elections, especially the presidential election.

“It is critical to the peace and unity of our dear country and everything must be done to get it right. INEC cannot afford to fail us,” he concluded.

Observations by Radio Nigeria show massive number of Nigerians at the various INEC registration centres in Anambra State.

They however complained of slow pace of the exercise, inadequate registration machines and personnel, alongside late arrival of INEC officials to the designated venues of the exercise and extortion by the INEC personnel.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU