Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State have been accused of demanding ₦2,000 from applicants before issuing their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Drivetvnews gathered that the allegation emerged in a viral video circulating on social media, where a resident claimed that some officials at the INEC office insisted on payment before processing and releasing voter cards.
According to the resident, an official identified only as Mrs. Otito allegedly requested the money from applicants seeking to collect their PVCs.
He further alleged that tension escalated after one applicant challenged the demand, insisting that voter registration and PVC collection are free services, and attempted to record the incident on video.
The resident claimed the confrontation turned physical, alleging that Mrs. Otito assaulted those involved and reportedly bit a young woman on the breast while she tried to separate the parties. Voices speaking in Igbo could be heard during the heated exchange captured in the viral footage.
INEC has consistently maintained that services such as voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs are provided free of charge.
The electoral commission has also repeatedly urged Nigerians to report any official or ad hoc staff demanding money for electoral services.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official response to the allegations involving its Onitsha South office.
