Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, a Presidential aspirant and National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has tendered a public apology for his misleading comment on the expiration of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Tinubu had said PVCs already obtained by Nigerians have expired eliciting reactions from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Tinubu in a trending video had told Nigerians to be ready to register afresh, saying the PVCs have “diminished and expired “
However, in a swift reaction, INEC debunked Tinubu’s claim, saying the PVCs are still valid and warned against double registration.
Tinubu told his supporters: “Go and register afresh, take the message far and near, to the local and wards to ensure that Nigerians register afresh.
“INEC may not give you enough notice.”
A statement by Tinubu’s media adviser, Mr Tunde Rahman, said: “Immediately upon being apprised of this, Asiwaju apologised for the incorrect statement and felt sorry for any confusion it may have caused.
“Tinubu also stressed that he appreciates the patriotic and necessary work of INEC and its personnel in assuring a free and fair electoral process for all Nigerians in all political parties.
“At the meeting convened at the behest of the women, Asiwaju emphasised the need for people to fully participate in elections so we strengthen our democracy.
“He urged them to continue to mobilise voters to update their PVCs and help thwart the prevailing voter-apathy. Women must mobilise heavily to reverse the trend.
“The gap between those who registered for elections and those who usually turned up to pick their PVCs was wide. Such constitutes a serious challenge, which may impede the growth of our democracy.
“Tinubu would like to reiterate this call to women to mobilise at the grassroots levels so that elections reflect the sovereign will of all the people for a true democracy to be established.”
Persecondnews had reported that Tinubu, while speaking in Abuja on Wednesday in a trending video, encouraged his supporters to go for new registration ahead of the 2023 elections because their PVCs had expired.
He had said:“In case they do not announce to you on time, the PVC you have has expired. Take one family member, two family members, knock on all doors, and make sure that the new registration.
“Because they may not announce to you on time. The PVCs you have has expired. Yes!
“You need to spread it to various local governments and wards at each level. No matter how difficult it is. To me, I look at it closely and you look at other elections being held, you will see that it’s diminishing because those cards expired,
“It’s mandatory that you go and register to vote and achieve your aspirations. May God bless you and bless Nigeria.”